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Tasha Lavigne R.I.P.

April 28, 2011 permalink

Tasha Lavigne, a ward, or former ward, of the Muskoka children's aid society, has been found dead in Campbellford Ontario. She was sixteen years old at the time of her death. Nearly four years ago, she was the subject of a manhunt when she ran away from Huntsville.

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Police release name of girl found dead in B&B

Investigation ongoing, OPP say

Campbellford — The Northumberland OPP has released the name of a 16-year-old girl found dead in a Campbellford bed and breakfast establishment.

A media release Wednesday said the OPP is investigating the unexpected death of Tasha Lavigne of Campbellford.

Police are conducting a criminal investigation in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

The OPP said it is believed there is no risk to public safety. Earlier this week a source, who wished to remain anonymous, said the teen was thought to be found dead Sunday at the Emilyville Inn.

Media officer Const. Chris Dewsbury told The Community Press Tuesday although police are investigating the death, no details will be released until results of the post-mortem are known.

"We can't release any information until we get the information from the autopsy," he said.

Dewsbury said police must withhold the details of the investigation at this point because the death could turn out to be an accident or suicide.

"And we don't release information to the media on those," he said.

Police are asking anyone with information related to the death to call the department at 613-475-1313.

Source: Trenton Community Press

Addendum: Police acknowledge that Tasha was a CAS ward.

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'No anatomical cause' in teen's death

'No anatomical cause' in teen's death

CAMPBELLFORD -Police are continuing their criminal investigation into the "unexpected" death of a teenager found in a Campbellford bed and breakfast on April 24.

Northumberland OPP Crime Unit Detective Constable Jamil Ali said a post mortem performed at the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto last Tuesday determined "there was no anatomical cause" in the death of 16-year-old Tasha Lavigne.

Lavigne was found dead at the Emilyville Bed and Breakfast on Grand Road in Campbellford on Sunday, April 24.

Police have revealed that Lavigne was a ward of the Children's Aid Society. Her mother, who is not from the area, was staying at the bed and breakfast with her daughter.

The business's website states the bed and breakfast has five themed rooms, with twin and queen beds available. Rooms range from $80 to $125.

Although police wouldn't confirm, reports indicate the group home at which Lavigne had been staying, and the bed and breakfast are owned by the same individual.

Ali said toxicology results on the teen could take a number of weeks.

"I spoke to the pathologist and asked him to put a rush on the report, but that still means weeks," Ali said.

"The toxicology will say how much alcohol or drugs, or both, if any, and that will guide us."

Though an inquest is a normal course of action for the death of a child in the care of the Children's Aid Society, Ali said the decision is up to the Coroner's office.

It is believed that there is no risk to public safety and police are seeking any assistance from members of the public who might have information that could assist in this investigation.

A funeral service for Lavigne was held on Friday.

On the funeral home's guest book a message from someone in Cambridge stated, "Tasha was an amazing young woman and touched many peoples hearts, especially mine. I know that they say she is in a better place but I wish we could be selfish and have her still with us. I feel deeply for your loss and my prayers are with you."

Lavigne was the daughter of Cindy and the late Yves Lavigne. She is also survived by her two sisters, Jessica and Rebecca Lavigne.

Source: Northumberland Today

Addendum: Tasha's mother has been accused of causing the death. According to another news report:

There was no anatomical cause for her death an autopsy has determined, police have said.

Is this brilliant detective work, or a CAS attempt to deflect blame for a dead foster child? The accused mother lacks the means to defend herself and based on past experience will be bullied into a plea.

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Cindy Lavigne
Cindy Lavigne, 46, of North Bay gets out of an OPP cruiser at Cobourg Court on Tuesday afternoon.
PETE FISHER QMI Agency

Mother charged in death of daughter

A 46-year-old North Bay woman has been charged with manslaughter in the death of her 16-year-old daughter Tasha Lavigne of Campbellford.

Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police arrested Cindy Lavigne Monday. She also faces drug charges.

Lavigne appeared for a bail hearing in Cobourg Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.

As Lavigne arrived she blew a kiss to her father and boyfriend who were in the courtroom.

When asked if she understood the charges against her she nodded.

A request was made to adjourn and set a date for her next appearance.

"I love you Dad," she said as she was lead out of the prisoner's box.

Duty counsel Steve Gilding requested an adjournment to Monday saying that Lavigne had applied for Legal Aid and was in the process of looking for counsel.

She is scheduled to appear via video Monday.

Lavigne's daughter Tasha was found dead on April 24 at the Emilyville Bed and Breakfast in Campbellford, 180 kilometres northeast of Toronto. The teen was staying there with her mother in a scheduled visit.

A post-mortem examination was conducted April 26 at the Office of the Chief Coroner in Toronto.

The teenager is survived by two sisters, and predeceased by her father, the late Yves Lavigne.

Source: North Bay Nugget

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