Human remains found near Smithers belong to Jessica Patrick, family confirms

Human remains found near Smithers, B.C., belong to 18-year-old JessicaPatrick, her family has confirmed.

Patrick, who also went by the last name Balczer, was last seen on Aug. 31and was reported missing on Sept. 3.

Police have not said where or when the discovery was made, nor has her identitybeen confirmed by RCMP.

However,the town's mayor posted his condolences in a Facebook post.

"My heart goes out to all who knew her and loved her," TaylorBachrachwrote.

On Sunday, a vigil was held atBovillSquare inSmithersfor Patrick a young mother and a member of the LakeBabineFirst Nation and to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women.

'The kindest person'

Patrick's sister in law Shelby Mitchell described her as "really sweet."

"She was pretty sunshiny," she said. "She was the kindest person that I could ever have in my daughter's life."

Mitchell said Patrick was passionate about makeup, and frequently connected with her family on social media.

RCMPsaid that more information will be provided at a later date.

With files from the Canadian Press and Yvette Brend

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