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The family and community surrounding Kai Pavlovic are facing a heartbreaking loss following confirmation that the 11-year-old boy, who had been missing from Burnaby, British Columbia, since September 2025, has been found deceased.

Kai’s disappearance had prompted an extensive search and investigation after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) received a request to check on his welfare on September 26, 2025. For months, his whereabouts remained unknown as investigators pursued information and appealed to the public for assistance.

On November 2, 2026, Canada’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced that investigators had located Kai’s remains and that two people had been charged in connection with his death.

The announcement brought a devastating conclusion to a missing-child investigation that had continued for more than a year. Kai’s family had previously shared their concerns and appealed for help, describing him as a bright, curious and kind child who was deeply loved by relatives, including family members in New Zealand.

Kai Pavlovic Found Deceased After More Than a Year

Kai was reported missing in Burnaby on September 26, 2025, after police received a request for a well-being check.

During the early stages of the investigation, Burnaby RCMP officers spoke with family members and pursued information about a possible caretaker believed to be looking after the boy. Police subsequently appealed to people in the community who might have encountered him through school, sports, playdates or extracurricular activities.

On October 9, 2025, investigators renewed their appeal for information and released additional photographs alongside a statement from Kai’s family.

Despite those efforts, police were unable to locate him during the initial investigation. The case was escalated to a high-risk missing-person investigation and handled by Burnaby RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit.

On June 25, 2026, IHIT assumed responsibility for the investigation. Officers continued working with the Serious Crimes Unit and other investigative partners, eventually leading to the discovery of Kai’s remains.

The family subsequently shared the devastating news that he had been located deceased. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the precise circumstances surrounding his death.

Two People Charged in Connection With Kai’s Death

A major development was announced on November 2, 2026, when IHIT confirmed that two Burnaby residents had been charged following the investigation.

The accused were identified as:

• Branko Bijelic, 51: Charged with second-degree murder and indignity to human remains.

• Sarah Bijelic, 46: Charged with manslaughter.

Investigators said Branko Bijelic was arrested on October 30, 2026. The charges were approved by the BC Prosecution Service.

Police have not publicly provided further details about the alleged circumstances of Kai’s death. They have also not disclosed the precise relationship between the accused and the boy in their official announcement.

The investigation remains a criminal matter, and the charges must be determined through the court process. Neither accused should be described as guilty unless and until established by the courts.

Kai’s Family Had Appealed for Help

During the search, Kai’s family shared a heartfelt description of the boy in the hope that members of the public could help investigators locate him.

They described him as a bright, curious, outgoing and kind little boy who enjoyed climbing trees, building forts and learning to sail.

The family also explained that Kai loved animals and had a particular affection for horses, cats and dogs.

His relatives in New Zealand expressed how deeply they loved him and urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the police.

That public appeal became an important part of the effort to find Kai. The eventual confirmation of his death has brought profound sadness to those who followed the case and hoped he would return safely.

Remembering Kai Pavlovic

Kai was only 11 years old when he was reported missing. His family described a child with curiosity, energy and affection for the natural world.

His interests included outdoor activities, building forts, climbing trees and learning to sail. His love of animals was another defining detail shared in the family’s public statement.

Although the circumstances of his death have led to a criminal investigation, Kai’s life should not be remembered only through the tragedy surrounding his disappearance.

He was a child whose family loved him and whose safe return was the hope behind the public appeals that continued throughout the investigation.

As the legal proceedings move forward, his loved ones deserve privacy and compassion.

Police Investigation and What Happens Next

The November 2 announcement marked a significant development in the investigation, but the case is not over.

IHIT has confirmed that the investigation involved extensive work by Burnaby RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit and other agencies, including the BC Coroners Service.

With charges now before the courts, investigators have indicated that they will not release further information at this stage.

The prosecution process will determine the allegations against the accused. Until then, details not confirmed by authorities should not be treated as established facts.

Kai Pavlovic Personal Details

Disclaimer

This tribute is based on information made public by the family and law enforcement authorities. The circumstances surrounding Kai Pavlovic’s death remain part of an ongoing criminal case, and the charges against the accused have not been proven in court.

No unconfirmed claims about the events leading to his death, family relationships or the accused should be presented as established facts. Funeral and memorial arrangements have not been confirmed in the information reviewed. HonoredLives extends its condolences to Kai’s family, friends and everyone affected by this loss.