Body found in B.C. believed to be that of missing woman originally from P.E.I.

RCMP in British Columbia say they are investigating after the body of a woman was found in downtown Nanaimo this past Thursday.

Based on preliminary observations, investigators believe the body is that of 27-year-old Amy Watts. Shewas reported missing by a family member living on P.E.I. on May 27, a release from Nanaimo RCMP said.

The family had not heard from Watts since February, the RCMP release said.

Whilethe identity of the body has not been confirmed, Const. Gary O'Briensaid investigators are "confident" the body is Watts and her family has been notified.

Watts often went by the name Amy Coady, police said. That is also the name she used on Facebook, according toher mother, Janice Coady.

"Amy was a beautiful soulso much heart always put everyone before herself," said Coady, through Facebook Messenger.

An online fundraiser to return Watts's body to P.E.I. surpassed its $10,000 goal Sunday afternoon.

Janice Coady said she plans to travel toNanaimo this week and plans to hold a service there before bringingher daughter'sbody back home to P.E.I.

An autopsy is expected to be completed by the end of the week,O'Brien said.

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