No inquest into death of Kenora teen Delaine Copenace, regional coroner rules

An inquest is not required into the death of Delaine Copenace, 16, who disappeared and was later found dead in Kenora, Ont.,this spring, according to the regional supervising coroner.

Dr. Michael Wilson informed Copenace's mother, Anita Ross,and Grand Council Treaty 3 of his decision in a letter sent earlier this month.

Ross was seeking an inquest in hopes that it would answer outstanding questions about how her daughter's body came to be found in Lake of the Woods weeks after she was last seen within a short walk of her home.

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"Through the course of the [coroner's] investigation and the meeting with the family it was clarified what the questions were and the answers were provided to the family to the best of our ability," Wilson said.

Contrary to police reports, Ross believes foul play may have been a factor in her daughter's death and wants officials to continue investigating.

The family can appealWilson's decisionto Ontario's chief coroner if they chose to press further for an inquest.

Copenace, an Ojibway teen from Onigaming First Nation,was reported missing in Kenora on Feb. 28. Police called off their ground search on March 14. Volunteers continue their intensive, daily patrols.

The teen'sbody was found in Lake of the Woods by city workersat the Water Street dockon March 22.