This headline follows the tragic confirmation by Calgary police that the 31-year-old, who disappeared in June 2025, was located deceased in April 2026. Other news outlets have covered the story under titles such as “Former Strathmore student found dead” and “the Disappearance of Deeanna Erickson.”

The news of Deeanna Erickson’s discovery is a somber end to a search that has touched many hearts in Calgary and beyond. After nearly a year of uncertainty, the community is left to remember a woman known for her trust, her independence, and her deep love for her pet bird, Stevie.

The search for Deeanna was marked by the incredible resilience of her family, particularly her sister Shelby, who became a tireless advocate for Deeanna’s safety. From the “Help Bring Deeanna Erickson Home” initiative to raising awareness about the unique vulnerabilities of those living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Shelby’s efforts ensured that Deeanna was never forgotten.

---

A Timeline of the Search

Deeanna was last seen on the night of June 6, 2025. Her disappearance was immediate and out of character, triggering a massive community-led effort to retrace her final known steps:

• The Wrong Bus: Surveillance footage confirmed that Deeanna, who was a frequent transit user, accidentally boarded a Route 167 bus heading to Walden—about 11 kilometers in the opposite direction of her home in Copperfield.

• The Final Sighting: She exited the bus near a Shoppers Drug Mart in Walden around 11:11 p.m., appearing visibly distressed.

• The Investigation: In the months that followed, investigators and family members scrutinized transit footage and sought information regarding an interaction she had with a group of people at the Somerset-Bridlewood station earlier that evening.

The Challenges Faced

The case gained national attention not only for the search itself but for the obstacles the family faced along the way. In December 2025, the family was targeted by a cruel extortion scam involving AI-generated images that falsely depicted Deeanna in danger. Despite this “nightmare” development, Shelby and the Calgary community continued to push for more extensive search efforts, including ground and water searches that were a central part of their advocacy.

A Community in Mourning

Calgary police have now confirmed that Deeanna has been located deceased. While the specific details surrounding her passing remain private, the outpouring of grief on social media reflects the impact she had on those who knew her and those who only knew her through the posters and pleas for help.

Deeanna is remembered as a “trusting and beautiful soul” who found joy in the simple things, like caring for her bird. To the Erickson family and the Walden and Copperfield communities: we stand with you in this moment of profound loss.