Tragic Loss: Parents Seek Change After Daughter’s Overdose in Homeless Camp

Lance Charles and Sarah Macdonald recently shared their heartbreaking story with the federal Standing Committee on Health in Ottawa. Their 13-year-old daughter, Brianna, died from an overdose in a homeless camp in Abbotsford, B.C., on August 23. Brianna struggled with mental health issues that led her to use drugs. She tried to get help through treatment centers and doctors, but the family found it difficult to find adequate support. Brianna had a long history of suicide attempts and drug use. Her parents described her as hearing "demons and voices" in her head, which she tried to silence with drugs like Molly (MDMA) and others. Despite their efforts to get her help, Brianna's condition worsened, leading to violent episodes and police involvement. In early 2019, Brianna overdosed in the family's kitchen. She was sent to BC Children's Hospital and then transferred to Surrey Memorial Hospital, but her parents felt she was released too early. Sarah, her mother, even fought to keep her in the hospital after seeing Brianna put a pencil through her hand. The family was sent home with a Narcan kit but received no further support.

Sarah discovered that Brianna was receiving harm reduction supplies from a local site, including needles and pamphlets on how to use drugs safely. This shocked the parents, as Brianna was only 12 years old at the time. Later, Brianna was found living in a homeless camp. Despite the parents' best efforts to bring her food and clothing and urge her to come home, Brianna chose to stay. Not long after, the family received the news of Brianna's death. They also learned that her close friend, 13-year-old Chayton Point of Mission, had died from a drug overdose in September. The parents believe that with proper mental health support, Brianna might still be alive today. MP Brad Vis from Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon echoed the family's concerns, highlighting the failures of drug legalization policies and the need for urgent change. A GoFundMe campaign has been started to cover Brianna's funeral expenses.

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