Marlene Bird, who was a victim in a brutal attack back in 2014 in Prince Albert, has passed away on Monday morning. Bird from the Montreal Lake Cree Nation left the world surrounded by family at the Victoria hospital in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), and the Prince Albert Grand Council’s (PAGC) Women’s Commission would like to send their deepest condolences to the family of Marlene Bird.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this extremely difficult time,” said First Vice-Chief Kim Jonathan in a media release. “Marlene is a true symbol of resiliency, and showed such bravery throughout the years of fighting for her recovery.”

The vicious assault sent shockwaves across the nation after details of Bird’s attack from attacker Leslie Black, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison after he pled guilty to attempted murder and sexual assault.

“She was a heroic woman, whose strength inspired many, and we are deeply hurt to hear of her passing,” said the Women’s Commission of PAGC. “The loss of Marlene affects us all, and her courage will be admired forever.”

The cause of death is unknown.