Chilliwack resident mourns the passing of her nephew who died while in custody in Vancouver

“We received news last night that my nephew Chase had passed away. It’s not news any family wants to hear… especially not again so soon. Chase Short was a son, a father, a brother, an uncle, a nephew and a friend. His life mattered,” Mcgrew said on Tuesday, June 16. “These matters belong in the light, not in the shadows. He died while in police custody, and our family is awaiting answers. We are trusting that a thorough and impartial investigation will be conducted and that the truth will be brought to light. Thank you all.”

Mcgrew says Chase was not just a file, a statistic or an incident report, and worries that society has lost the ability to truly see one another, listen to one another and respond with care and dignity.

“Chase was deeply loved by many. Chase had an extraordinary calling on his life…everyone knew it and for those who knew him a long time…we all saw it and experienced it. What a gift and precious treasure,” Mcgrew wrote online. “I’m thankful today Chase is finally free from the chains of addiction and in the presence of His loving Father.”

Mcgrew has created a GoFundMe in hopes of supporting Chase’s parents with funeral expenses, travel costs, and other unexpected needs over the next several weeks.

“We go together not alone. Much love, grace and peace to you and your families today and this season,” Mcgrew said. “Please join us in prayer for his children, sister, parents, our extended family and all who loved him…our broken hearts are with them all.”

As far as the probe is concerned, the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. says there are two criteria it will consider at the beginning of each investigation, including whether there has been an injury that meets the threshold of serious harm, as defined by the Police Act, or a death; and if there is a connection between the serious harm/death and officer action or inaction.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack resident mourns the passing of her nephew who died while in custody in Vancouver

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