Fallen Member – Family statement of RCMP Constable Shaelyn Yang

Burnaby, B.C.

2022-10-27 15:29 PDT

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 on October 18, 2022.

While they will not be granting media interviews, Cst. Yang’s family is providing a public statement to thank her friends, colleagues and the public for their outpouring of support.

This will be the family’s only public statement. It is being made available in English, French and Chinese.

Statement Regarding Constable Shaelyn Yang, from her Family

Constable Shaelyn Yang moved to Canada from Taiwan at a young age. She was raised and educated 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.

Shaelyn was gentle yet brave, compassionate yet courageous; and she was born with the gift of supporting and empowering others. She brought with her laughter and joy wherever she went. She loved her family and friends immensely and even though her family and friends are situated in multiple countries, she was always there for everyone near and dear to her heart. Her thoughtfulness made us feel like we were always together.

Shaelyn loved her career with the RCMP. In hindsight, she was preparing for this role her entire 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. After intense training at the RCMP Depot Academy, her dream came true and she was sworn in as an RCMP officer. Shaelyn was so proud of her uniform. She made the ultimate sacrifice to this work that she loved. 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.

We would like to thank everyone for their condolences. There has been an outpouring of support from extended family, friends and the public. We hear you and we thank you for your thoughts and kind words. We have sincere gratitude to Shaelyn’s RCMP colleagues for the support and friendships formed throughout her service – a lifelong gift to her that she treasured. We would also like to thank the RCMP for their thoughtfulness, support, and considerate arrangements during this difficult time and as the Force formally honours her passing. We are sincerely grateful for the RCMP, Shaelyn’s friends and colleagues, and the general public for their support.

Lastly, as our family is going through immense grief, we will not be participating in any media interviews. This written statement will be the only public release from Shaelyn’s family.

Thank you.

Released by:

BC RCMP Communication Services
778-290-2929

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