EDMONTON — Friends say a woman whose body was found tied up in a shopping cart in an Edmonton alley had struggled with addiction.
Police have ruled the death of Andrea Marie Berg a homicide. An autopsy shows the 42-year-old died of blunt force trauma.
Witnesses who found her body Tuesday said her legs, arms and mouth had been taped and her face was bloody.
Police have not released further details about the case.
Bonnie McLellan, who grew up with Berg in Fort Saskatchewan, near Edmonton, says the woman led a troubled life but loved her family and had a grown son.
“She was a very kind-hearted person ... She was always willing — trying to get back on her feet.”
McLellan said she found it difficult to keep in touch with her old friend and learned of her death through a relative.
Berg’s friend Shannon Tyler was on of many who expressed condolences on Facebook.
“My heart is so sad. Remembering the years, your giggle and your bright smile,” wrote Tyler.
“Rest in love and peace Andrea ... A beautiful sweet soul has left us and will be missed.”
Another friend, David Sheffield, had commended Berg on Facebook in May 2014 for fighting to get clean.
“Lookin good today, my girl! 5 months in treatment ... I hope it works for you this time, Andrea, you’ve tried so hard to fight this disease in the past, that I’m just so glad you haven’t given up on yourself! Your a real fighter, thats what I like about you Andrea, my dear, dear, friend.”
Berg had listed on her Facebook page that she worked at Hope Mission, a downtown social care agency. She hadn’t updated the page since last year.
A spokeswoman with the shelter said that although Berg was not an employee, she was a “beloved member” of the Hope Mission community and served in many areas with the agency’s church.
“What she loved most of all was to sing and she sang on our worship team,” said Rachael Chan. “She had a loving singing voice.”
Chan said Berg was loved by many with the agency and they are all grieving her death.