Police have determined the cause of death of Salmon Arm resident Tyler Myers, who was killed Nov. 21 at the age of 22.

The Southeast District Major Crimes Unit confirmed that he died as the result of a gunshot wound. The autopsy was carried out on Nov. 24 and the results released Nov. 28.

The RCMP news release states that: "Police are not releasing more details on the nature or circumstances of this information as it is considered sensitive at this point in the investigation. If anyone has information regarding this incident, please call the Salmon Arm detachment at 250-832-6044 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Myers will be remembered at a service at Bowers Funeral Home this weekend.

But hearts will need healing in Campbell River too. It was there that Tyler lived with his father Dusty, stepmother Donna, and stepsisters Brandy and Sandy, for several years until after he graduated from Timberline Secondary in 2004.

And it was on Nov. 30 that Donna and her daughters hosted an open house to allow Campbell River friends to share their memories and honour his life.

Donna says Tyler particularly enjoyed fishing with his dad and camping with his family. He was a sea cadet for four years and is remembered fondly by a former baseball coach, as “always being reliable for the big hit to bring in home runs,” she says.

“He had a strong arm, fast throw and wasn’t afraid to steal bases,” she says, noting he was a hard worker.

“At his Grade 12 wood cut, Tyler’s classmates were barely getting started, when he had his entire wood pile split.” 

In a speech created by Brandy and Sandy and delivered at the open house, the women made clear how thrilled they were to add Tyler to the family.

“We finally got the little brother we had always wanted,” she said. “Tyler was such a fun, outgoing little guy.”

Friends were told how, even from a young age, Tyler was the life of the party, who always found a way to make it more fun.

“Tyler just wanted to belong and to be loved,” she says, noting that whatever the girls were doing, he wanted to join in. “We will never forget his warm smile, affection and charm... He just had so much love to give.”

The speech also records memories of how Tyler was in the middle of any family hug.

“He was always on our laps, cuddling and twisting our hair,” Brandy says, remembering how the love didn’t stop when he got older, but continued with the same affectionate hugs.

“He was the same way with his niece and nephews.”

“We are all very sad right now, but we can keep Tyler alive and with us by remembering him,” she says, noting Tyler had a hard time after the tragic loss of his father. “Some of us are finding comfort in thinking that they are together again somewhere.”

Tyler was killed on the evening of Nov. 21 and his body was discovered by a passerby on the grounds of Bastion Elementary School in Salmon Arm about 7:30 p.m.

His mother had been expecting him and his girlfriend for supper.

A memorial service will be held at Bowers Funeral Home on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m.