UPDATE 4:50 P.M.
RCMP say the person found dead near the Mine Creek Road area of Highway 5 south of Merritt was a 27-year-old First Nation woman from the Northwest Territories.
Police say she had connections to the South Okanagan.
Her family is still being notified, which is why RCMP are not yet releasing her name.
The cause of her death is still under investigation.
ORIGINAL STORY:
A traffic accident on the Coquihalla Highway on Sunday near Merritt, B.C., led to the roadside discovery of a deceased woman.
Merritt RCMP say the northbound accident on the Coquihalla caused a traffic stoppage and a man left his vehicle to stretch his legs. While walking about, the motorist found a deceased woman on the side of the highway.
The accident and discovery of the body took place near Mine Creek Road, approximately 20 minutes south of Merritt.
Police say the deceased woman “appears to have darker skin and long-dyed blonde and red hair. An autopsy is expected to be conducted to try and determine how the woman died. The deceased does not appear to match any known missing persons reports.”
Police say the scene examination, which was completed on Monday,” showed no overt signs criminality that were involved with the death.”
If you have information about this, or recently witnessed a pedestrian near Mine Creek Road exit, contact the Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262.