Image: File image of the Coquihall River near the Othello Tunnels / Dreamstime / Cory Lamming

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Othello Tunnels Closed

Authorities working to recover the body of a teen who fell into the Coquihalla River

Jul 28, 2025 | 12:10 PM

HOPE — Authorities are in the process of planning the recovery of the body of a 19-year-old man along the Coquihalla River near the popular Othello Tunnels.

According to a police news release, Hope RCMP were alerted to a report of a man falling into the river in the Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park area shortly at 6 p.m. Saturday (Jul. 26).

Hope RCMP, RCMP Integrated Police Dog Services, Search and Rescue (SAR), District of Hope Fire Department, and Emergency Health Services were called to the scene. SAR used a raft to rescue a bystander who had become stranded while trying to rescue the victim.

Authorities employed a drone as an aid to their search of the area but were unable to locate the man. It is believed his body is trapped below the surface of the water by the heavy current. The name or the hometown of the victim has not been released.

An RCMP Underwater Recovery Team (URT) arrived Sunday and assessed the situation during daylight hours. A coordinated recovery operation is being planned for a later date because of the complicating factors of the steep terrain and fast-flowing water.

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In the meantime, BC Parks has closed the Othello Tunnels until further notice.