On the morning of March 27 2010, workers discovered a young woman lying on the ground beneath the MacKay Bridge in Halifax, Nova Scotia. While her injuries looked far too severe for her to be alive, they were shocked to find that she was still struggling to breathe. In her handbag was an ID card from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Identifying her as 31 year old Holly Bartlett.
As Holly clung to life in hospital, police investigated what happened on the night of March 26. After discovering she was visually impaired and had been out drinking the night before. They concluded that she’d become disoriented and suffered a tragic accident. But what really happened to Holly?
Source material for the case
Justice for Holly: Family goes public with battle
CBC News – Holly Bartlett’s death reviewed
Police announce independent review into Holly Bartlett’s death
Holly Bartlett witness changes key details in death investigation
Police handling of Holly Bartlett’s death criticized in review
External review confirms 2010 death of Holly Bartlett was accidental
Investigation into blind woman’s death flawed, but conclusion correct: review
Holly Bartlett’s family is angry with Halifax police
Holly Bartlett : The Long Way Home – the fifth estate
Holly Bartlett’s story has been made into a TV series
See notable locations
I created a Google Earth project that plots out notable locations related to the case. Including the route Holly is alleged to have taken. And where her belongings were found.
What Happened to Holly Bartlett?
Special thanks to Maggie Rahr and Peter Parsons
If you want to hear a deep dive on this case, please listen to the What Happened to Holly Bartlett? podcast. Maggie and Peter clearly poured their heart and soul into the production.
Listen to the Podcast
Holly Bartlett’s unlikely journey
Special thanks to Tim Bousquet, who wrote an excellent article for The Coast that details Holly’s case.
Holly Bartlett
Wayne + Holly
Convoy Towers
Where Holly was found
