Image: Submitted / A BC Ambulance helicopter prepares to land on the shoreline of the Chehalis River on Sunday, July 2. Bystanders who were alerted by cries for assistance raced to help resuscitate a 38-year-old Surrey man who had become submerged in the Chehalis River north of Harrison Mills on Sunday afternoon, July 2. Despite rescue efforts by those on scene and emergency responder personnel, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to RCMP Sgt. Krista Vrolyk of the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

B.C. Coroners Service investigating death

B.C. Coroners Service investigating drowning death of 38-year-old Surrey man

Jul 4, 2023 | 5:09 PM

HARRISON MILLS — The Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment in Chilliwack released a statement Tuesday afternoon advising that the B.C. Coroners Service continues to investigate a tragic drowning in the Chehalis River on Sunday afternoon, July 2.

RCMP Sgt. Krista Vrolyk, media relations spokesperson for the detachment, confirmed that a 38-year-old Surrey man died after the male attempted to cross the river but became submerged and could not be resuscitated.

Fraser Valley Today reported earlier today that a Chilliwack resident witnessed the rescue efforts unfold. Erik Devisser had contacted 9-1-1 emergency dispatch to alert them to the traumatic incident. Four paramedics, RCMP and an air ambulance responded to the scene.

Agassiz RCMP received a report around 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 2 indicating that a man had drowned at the Chehalis River campground.

According to the initial investigation, cries for help alerted people in the area who were able to pull the man out of the water and begin resuscitation efforts. Efforts to revive the man were not successful, Sgt. Vrolyk confirmed.

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The name of the man is not being released out of respect to his family, Sgt. Vrolyk said in her statement.

This matter remains under investigation by the B.C. Coroners Service, Sgt. Vrolyk stated.