Comox Valley RCMP are treating the death of a Hornby Island poet and singer as a homicide following results of a forensic autopsy, RCMP said Friday.

The body of Tempest (Pest) Grace Gale, 25, was found in the water at Ford's Cove on Wednesday. RCMP did not release the cause of death.

"All avenues of investigation are being explored with considerable resources working on this file," RCMP said in a news release.

RCMP held a "person of interest" in the case and released him Thursday.

Agencies working on the case include RCMP West Coast Marine, RCMP Air Services, the RCMP Dive Team, Comox Valley General Investigation Section, the Coroners Office, RCMP Police Dog Service and Forensic Identification.

RCMP victim services and specialized crisis nurses are helping the residents cope with the tragedy.

Locals say Hornby Island has not had a murder since Europeans settled on this peaceful island of about 1,000 residents.

rdalton@vancouversun.com