In November of 1997 a tragedy struck that would haunt the community for years to come. Reena Virk, a teenaged girl who was said to be shy and introspective, went missing after a savage attack under the Craigflower Bridge.
At the heart of the story was Josephine Bell, known as Nicole Cook, a once-popular and outgoing teenager whose exploits set into motion a catastrophic chain of events. Despite the case’s notoriety, Bell was not one of those convicted of second-degree murder.
Only two others faced the legal consequences for Virk’s death. Years later, Bell gave her only public interview in 2011, during which she spoke in depth about the events for an MSNBC special called Death Under the Bridge. And after that, she has kept a private life of some sort, back from public sight.
Bell’s adolescence was rocky. When they met, Reena was living in group and foster homes, having repeatedly run away from her home. Their newfound friendship rapidly deteriorated, prompting rising tensions between them. During this time, Bell’s relationships with her contemporaries suggest a rebellious and explosive character prone to conflict.
The bad blood between Bell and Virk came to a head on the night of Nov. 14, 1997. Bell and several of her close friends decided to meet up at Craigflower Bridge. Inspired by rivalries and revenge, they attacked Virk. But after the initial attack, Bell said he retreated from the scene, the night took a darker turn. Two others remained and, in the end, drowned Virk.
It has been more than 25 years since that night, and although the case still lingers in memory, Bell has largely stepped back from public life.
Reena Virk’s tragic death story continues to be a haunting reminder of the consequences of unrestrained rage and the complexities of teenage relationships.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.