Women in Black hold vigil for woman who died near Ballard Locks

The WHEEL/Church of Mary Magdalene Women in Black will stand vigil tomorrow for the death of a homeless woman last week on the Magnolia side of the Ballard Locks.

Jean Darsie, an advocate for the homeless, sent us the following information:

WHEEL/Church of Mary Magdalene Women in Black were heartbroken to learn that a homeless woman’s body was found in an encampment not far from the Ballard Locks on Tuesday, November 1st. She’s been identified as Karen Lee Pedersen, 45, and the cause of her death has not yet been determined. (Early reports stated it appeared to be a death by natural causes, but the Medical Examiners and Seattle Police are still investigating.)

We will stand vigil for Ms Pedersen from noon to 1 PM next Wednesday, November 9th, outside the Seattle Justice Center (at 5th/Cherry). We are holding her family and friends in our hearts.

At least 20 homeless people have died outdoors or by violence already in 2011, and Ballard has been particularly hard-hit: At least FOUR homeless people have died there already this year. Also, two weeks ago four homeless people (men and women) in Ballard (at 56th NW/NW 15th) were apparently deliberately targeted by four men who stopped their van, got out, and punched and kicked them.