Face of Nation : An Australian man suspected of being murdered in Canada has been identified as the son of a high ranking New South Wales police officer. The body of Lucas Fowler, the son of Hills District Chief Inspector Stephen Fowler, was found on the Alaska Highway on July 15. His body was found next to the body of his American girlfriend, Chynna Deese, around 20km from the popular Liard Hot Springs.
It is understood the couple, who were on a road trip on the remote stretch of road, had been shot. Police said an older blue minivan with Alberta plates was found at the scene. Authorities are treating the deaths as suspicious.
The family of Lucas and Chynna have posted emotional tributes on social media confirming their deaths. “We have lost our dear Lucas Fowler, son, brother, grandson and friend in the most terrible of circumstances,” Jacob Fowler wrote in a post to Facebook.“To lose someone so young and vibrant, who was travelling the world and just enjoying life to the full, is devastating.”
Jacob also offered touching words to his brother’s partner.
“To know his beautiful girlfriend, Chynna Deese, of Charlotte, North Carolina, also lost her life in this violent event is too cruel. All our love and best wishes go to Chynna’s family and friends.”
He said his family was now travelling to Canada “to be with our boy” and to bring him home. “At this stage we can only move forward a minute at a time, and those minutes are moving so slowly. Please share this post with all those who may have crossed paths anywhere in the world with these beautiful people.”
In a tribute to her sister, Kennedy Deese expressed “overwhelming sadness” about the suspected murder of her sister. “They were bright and beautiful souls. We are all still in shock and heartbroken,” she wrote. “No further information is available at this time, please do not ask.”
NSW homicide investigator Wayne Walpole and another detective are travelling to Canada to assist with the investigation.”The investigation into this incident is being led by the Canadian authorities and as such, they will be the appropriate source for information as it comes to hand,” NSW police said in a statement.
Canadian police are appealing for anyone that travelled the stretch of highway around the time of the discovery to come forward, according to a RCMP media release. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance. “Due to our privacy obligations we will not provide further comment,” a DFAT statement said.
