Family of Burnaby Mountie speaks for the first time following her death

The family of Burnaby RCMP Const. Shaelyn (Tzu-Hsin) Yang is speaking for the first time following her death.

Burnaby RCMP released a statement from the family, adding “While the nature of Cst. Yang’s professional life was highly public in service to some of Burnaby’s most vulnerable citizens, the family is asking for privacy as they deal with the immense grief following Shaelyn’s death in the line of duty.”

The family wrote in a statement saying Yang moved to Canada from Taiwan at a young age, and grew up in the Greater Vancouver area.

“She was fond of the land where she grew up and was very involved in her community as it shaped her upbringing,” it said.

The family says that Yang brought laughter and joy wherever she went.

“Shaelyn was gentle yet brave, compassionate yet courageous; and she was born with the gift of supporting and empowering others.”

Although her family and friends live in different areas, and in some cases other countries, the statement adds she was always there for the people she cared about.

“Her thoughtfulness made us feel like we were always together,” it explained.

Fallen Member – Family statement of RCMP Constable Shaelyn Yang https://t.co/RfXdiXhBua #Burnaby pic.twitter.com/KhsFU8R5Vc

— Burnaby RCMP (@BurnabyRCMP) October 27, 2022

The family says her death is heartbreaking, but also notes that Yang loved working as an RCMP officer — something they say she prepared for her whole life.

“At five years old, she started training in Taekwondo and later on, she took up Kendo and Brazilian Jiujitsu. Through volunteering as an RCMP Victim Services worker, Shaelyn was inspired to become a member of the RCMP,” it said.

The family adds that after intensive training, “her dream came true and she was sworn in as an RCMP officer.”

A proud member of the RCMP, the family says Yang made the “ultimate sacrifice” doing what she loved.

Related Articles: 

• Fundraiser for family of fallen Burnaby Mountie exceeds expectations

• Victoria police reassess response after Burnaby Mountie killed

“This is extremely heartbreaking, she devoted her life to helping others, which is something she strived for, and we are so proud. As her family, we thank Shaelyn for giving all of herself in making this world a better place. May she rest in peace knowing she was so loved,” it added.

After an extensive outpouring of condolences from the public, the family says they are grateful for the support from the public, RCMP, and Yang’s friends.

“We hear you and we thank you for your thoughts and kind words,” it said.

Yang was fatally stabbed on Oct. 18 while accompanying a Burnaby parks worker to deal with reports of a man living in a tent in Broadview Park. A 37-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in relation to her death.

Yang’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at the Richmond Olympic Oval at 11 a.m., according to B.C. RCMP.

Seating will be limited at the venue and will be reserved for family, invited guests, designated officials, and uniformed Mounties participating in the funeral march, the RCMP says. The police agency says there may be alternative viewing options which will be announced closer to the time.

With files from Greg Bowman