Olivia Johnson is shown in a family handout photo. RCMP are investigating the sudden deaths of two girls who were found in a hotel room in central Alberta. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Johnson Family

Sylvan Lake

Two girls were celebrating a birthday before they were found dead in a hotel room in central Alberta on Easter Sunday, one of their families says.

RCMP have said the deaths at a Best Western hotel in Sylvan Lake, Alta., were those of a 12-year-old girl from that community and of a 13-year-old from Red Deer, about 25 kilometres east.

The family of Olivia Johnson, 13, said in an emailed statement that the girls had a room next door to a parent, who would check in periodically.

“The night Olivia passed she was with a friend, enjoying a birthday gathering in the way most young women like to do — celebrating with a dinner with parents, swimming and doing each other’s makeup,” her family said.

“The hole Olivia has left in our hearts and in our lives is enormous, and our family is still trying to come to terms with the reality of not having her bounce into the house, spunky and smiling.”

Olivia’s family remembered her as compassionate, generous and kind.

“She loved to laugh, and her sense of humour was contagious, often making others laugh right along with her.”

RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff said Wednesday there is no indication of potential homicide or suicide, but an overdose is a possibility that has not been confirmed.

He said the medical examiner is working to determine the cause of death, including the results of toxicology that can take anywhere from a few days to a few months.

“We know there are many unanswered questions, and some we may never have answers to,” the Johnson family said.

The family expressed confidence the RCMP investigation will shed more light on how the evening unfolded.

“Speculation about what happened will do nothing to further this work, and will only bring more hurt in an already incredibly difficult time,” the family said.

Olivia was part of the The Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe.

“What a gift she is to our community,” the group said of the girl in a post. “We will miss her Kokum energy and beautiful smile deeply.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 14, 2023.

— by Ritika Dubey in Edmonton.

News release from Sylvan Lake RCMP

Sylvan Lake RCMP investigate shooting 

Sylvan Lake RCMP continue to investigate a shooting that occurred on Lake Shore Drive in Sylvan Lake on June 16, 2022, that left a 37-year old male with injuries. The RCMP is now at stage where they are able to release surveillance photos of the suspects and are asking for the public assistance. One of the suspects are believed to go by the nickname Louis.

Suspect 1 is described as:

• Male
• 6 feet tall
• Dark skin
• Slim build
• Dreadlock style hair
• Grey hat

Suspect 2 is described as:

• Male
• 6 feet tall
• Dark skin
• Beard
• Short hair
• Grey clothing.

If you have information about this incident or those responsible please contact the Sylvan Lake RCMP at 403-887-3333 If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

sSylvan Lake RCMP are asking for witnesses to this incident, or those that might have cell phone, dashcam, or surveillance to come forward. If you have any information about this occurrence or those responsible, please contact the Sylvan Lake RCMP at 403-887-3333 If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.