Kurdish woman found dead in Canada, police say no foul play

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - An Iranian-Kurdish woman was found dead in the Canadian city of Windsor on Friday, police said on Saturday. She had been missing for more than two months. The cause of death has not been made public.

Shilan Shahbazian, 26, was last seen on January 4. Her family in Iran also lost contact with her.

“Investigators do not suspect foul play in her death,” Windsor police said on X.

Dyako Ali Tanayi, Shahbazian’s uncle, told Rudaw in mid-February that his niece’s phone was found on a river shore and was handed over to the police. 

Her uncle said at the time that they had no suspects in connection with her disappearance.

Her mother talked with the public broadcaster CBC last month, saying, "What has happened to her? Is she alive or not? We just want to find her.”

Another uncle told the CBC that they have no one in Canada to turn to for help and they “can't even pursue this matter through the Iranian government” because Tehran has no diplomatic relations with Ottawa. 

“Our thoughts are with Ms. Shahbazian’s family and loved ones, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time,” the statement from the Windsor police added.

Shahbazian was originally from Qorveh city in western Iran (Rojhalat). She moved to Canada as a refugee two years ago and had been working in a beauty salon and spa in Windsor.

"She's beautiful and really talented. She is a good person and was happy to be in Canada to build her own new life here," Kim Lam, her employer, told CBC when she went missing.

Shahbazian was described by her friends as smart, hardworking, and a kind person, according to the CBC.