By Nigel Maxwell

Grieving father reflects on daughter’s death

Oct 15, 2014 | 11:36 AM

Allan Adam said his daughter was given every opportunity in life, but was not strong enough to beat her addiction.

Beatrice “Bea” Adam, 36, was found Sunday evening, just days after being reported missing by her family. A father and son out kayaking along the North Saskatchewan River discovered her body.

“She had a good life; she went to the best schools in Prince Albert; she spoke French; and she was multi – talented. Her life was really good until drugs got into it,” said Adam.

Five years ago Beatrice became addicted to OxyContin. The pain took a big toll on her, and her father she said she would attempt to numb the pain with drinking.

“We(the family) took her to detox, We encouraged her, We supported her, and she said she wanted help. We did our best to help her,” said Adam.

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Beatrice was living in Prince Albert at the time of her death, although her father said she was pretty much living on the street. She had three children, but they were not living with her. Adam said he always loved his daughter, and the family never gave up on her.

“She was the one that was first in my life when she was born and I raised her to be my princess. Sometimes things in life don’t always turn out the way we would like it to, but Beatrice lived her own life,” said Adam.

Adam said the family is very thankful to the people who found his daughter, and also to the Prince Albert Police Service for all of their help.

An autopsy on the body was planned for Wednesday. The family will likely learn more after that regarding what happened to Beatrice and what led to her ending up in the river.

Adam said he hoped his daughter’s death may, in some way, help raise awareness about the issues with drug abuse.

“You know the drugs don’t discern who they are going to affect; class, race or whatever. Once it gets into your system it will just eat away at you,” said Adam.

The family has had a very tough year. In July, a 12-year-old boy, out riding his bike near the Muskoday Bridge, was struck and killed by a vehicle.  He was Beatrice’s nephew.

Adam said the boy’s mother will now take care of Beatrice’s youngest child.

A wake for Beatrice Adam will be held Thursday at Senator Allen Bird Memorial Gymnasium. The funeral will be held Friday.

Adam said his daughter will be buried right next to his grandson.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell