More than a year after her body was discovered at a Winnipeg hotel, the previously unidentified woman has been officially identified by her family as Melanie McKay. The identification came after an updated sketch of the woman was shared publicly.
What Happened
On August 10, 2024, a woman was found deceased at the Manwin Hotel on Main Street in Winnipeg. Police initially had no information about her identity, and foul play was not suspected. The woman was later given the spirit name Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman) by Manitoba’s MMIWG2S+ implementation committee in a traditional ceremony.
Last week, an updated sketch of the woman was released publicly, which led to her family recognizing her within 48 hours.
Who Is Melanie McKay
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Name: Melanie McKay
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Origin: Garden Hill First Nation, northern Manitoba
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Family: Third-oldest of six sisters, mother of five children
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Age at time of passing: Not publicly specified
Background or Timeline
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August 10, 2024: Melanie McKay was found deceased at the Manwin Hotel.
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September 2024: Police released an initial sketch to aid in identification.
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August 2025: Updated sketch with additional details released publicly.
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48 hours later: McKay’s family recognized her and came forward.
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August 2025: McKay’s sisters traveled to Winnipeg to claim her remains.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The updated sketch circulated widely across social media platforms, with the public playing a crucial role in bringing closure to McKay’s family. Community members and organizations praised the collaborative effort, highlighting the power of public awareness in missing and unidentified persons cases.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
Giganawenimaanaanig expressed gratitude to the community for sharing the information and asked for privacy for McKay’s family as they grieve their loss. Police continue to stress the importance of public involvement in aiding investigations.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
The post Winnipeg Woman Found Deceased in 2024 Identified as Melanie McKay first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
