Advocate for Drug Users in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside

Trey Helten, known for his passionate advocacy for drug users, has died at the age of 42, leaving behind a legacy that touched countless lives in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. While the exact cause of his death remains unclear, his contributions as the manager of the Overdose Prevention Society (OPS) were significant, characterized by his long-standing dedication to helping those facing addiction challenges.

Over the years, Mr. Helten facilitated Narcotics Anonymous meetings, drawing in individuals hesitant about recovery with his authentic stories of personal struggles and triumphs. Beyond these sessions, he offered practical support—providing meals to those in need, driving people to detox facilities at any hour, and assisting them with medical appointments and housing search efforts. His role extended to reversing numerous overdoses and equipping others with the skills to save lives, as he engaged with journalists to shed light on the ongoing crisis in substance abuse.

Friends and colleagues remember Trey Helten as an irreplaceable figure in the community who also organized memorials for those who perished due to the escalating drug crisis. Many have expressed that his dedication was unparalleled, with OPS executive director Sarah Blyth confirming the immense void left by his passing. Helten often spoke openly about his struggles with addiction, revealing a long history of self-loathing that led him into homelessness and drug dependency before he found a challenging path toward recovery.

In April 2021, he celebrated five years of sobriety, yet preferred not to be seen as a symbol of success. He carried a key tag from his early days in Narcotics Anonymous, a reminder to take his journey one day at a time. Despite facing a setback last year—dealing with a broken relationship and a health scare—he managed to return to OPS and resumed his work, even taking on a body-retrieval role with the BC Coroners Service, which he found comfort in.

Sadly, Helten faced ongoing challenges, compounded by the trauma he experienced from his work and personal losses. He sought support through therapy but struggled with the high costs of comprehensive trauma counseling. Friends noted that while Helten thrived when helping others, he found it difficult to attend to his own well-being amidst the emotional toll of his work.

Recently, he was set to facilitate new recovery meetings at OPS that focused on an evidence-based approach to treatment, but his absence on the scheduled training day raised concerns. Tragically, his colleagues discovered he had passed away at his home in the Strathcona neighborhood. His death marks a profound loss for the community he worked tirelessly to support, and he leaves behind a young son. Helten was retrieved by the very individuals he had trained, closing a remarkable chapter of service and dedication.