New Zealand Family Mourns After 11‑Year‑Old’s Body Discovered in Canada

Heart‑wrenching news has reached a New Zealand family after the body of 11‑year‑old Kai Pavlovic was located in Canada.

Police in Burnaby, British Columbia, received a request for a well‑being check on Kai on 26 September 2025. At that time, investigators believed he was with a caretaker whose identity they were working to confirm.

In June of this year, the British Columbia Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) assumed responsibility for the case, collaborating with the Burnaby Serious Crimes Unit to continue the search.

That effort culminated in the discovery of Kai’s remains, leading to arrests on 30 October. Branko Bijelic, 51, of Burnaby, was charged with second‑degree murder and indignity to human remains, while Sarah Bijelic, 46, faced a manslaughter charge.

In a statement to RNZ, Kai’s aunt Helen Kok said the family is “absolutely devastated by the tragic news of Kai’s passing” and that they will “forever have a Kai‑shaped hole in our hearts.”

She added, Kai was the light of our lives and we will miss the joy, creativity, and sense of adventure he brought with him wherever he went, and that is how we will remember him.

Kok also expressed gratitude for the closure after a long period of uncertainty and thanked those who worked to find answers. She asked for privacy to grieve and urged the public to refrain from judgment, conjecture, and speculation.

Earlier, Kok described Kai as “exceptionally kind, caring, intelligent, and funny,” noting his outgoing nature, ease of making friends, and bravery in trying new things.

Kai had moved to Vancouver with his mother and stepfather in 2023. His extended family in Montenegro and New Zealand have been deeply affected, maintaining concern for his wellbeing until the recent discovery.

The family’s statement underscores the profound loss felt across continents and the desire for respectful space during this painful time.