A BC teen who fell through the ice in Sushwap Lake has been found dead. His body was recovered on Monday after a tireless and extensive search, police said.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that has deeply affected the family, first responders, and the community,” said Sgt. Simon Scott, the Salmon Arm RCMP’s detachment commander. “Our thoughts are with the young man’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
On February 8, just after 2 pm Salmon Arm RCMP were called after a report of an 18-year-old man had fallen through the ice on Shuswap Lake in the area between Raven sub-division and Sandy Point in Salmon Arm. RCMP is asking the public to stay off local lakes as the conditions are currently unsafe despite the cold temperatures. Police urges people to be cautious when they area neat water at this time of the year.
Last week, two men who went ice fishing at Grace Lake were found dead after reportedly falling through the ice, said Agassiz RCMP. A concerned family member who went to the lake discovered a large hole in the ice alongside abandoned fishing gear, raising fears that the pair had fallen through.
The bodies were located beneath the ice. The Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon recommends avoiding frozen bodies of water, no matter the thickness of the ice. One out of 12 Canadians who drown each year fall through the ice.
