Image: File photo, Pattison Media

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Body recovered

Body of 19-year-old man reported missing in July at Othello Tunnels has been recovered: RCMP

Sep 18, 2025 | 8:18 AM

HOPE — A Hope RCMP spokesperson has confirmed that the body of a 19-year-old man who was reported missing after falling into a river near Othello Tunnels in July has been recovered.

According to a statement from Hope RCMP S/Sgt. Mike Sargent, Mounties in Hope were notified Wednesday morning, Sept. 17, at 10:24 a.m., about a body located in the river at Othello Tunnels. Hope RCMP attended the scene. With assistance from Hope Search and Rescue, the man’s body was recovered.

S/Sgt. Sargent says the deceased has been identified as the man who was reported missing after falling into the river on July 26.

“We hope this recovery brings some measure of closure to the loved ones of the deceased,” says S/Sgt Mike Sargent of the Hope RCMP. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. We are deeply grateful to the Search and Rescue volunteers, the friends and family of the individual and BC Parks for their support and tireless efforts throughout the recovery process.”

Access to portions of the Othello Tunnels Park was temporarily restricted during the recovery operation on Wednesday. The park has since fully reopened to the public.

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On July 30, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team conducted searches in the river where the 19-year-old was believed to have entered.

The next day, July 31, Hope Search and Rescue continued efforts by exploring shorelines and deploying unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sweeps of the river.

Despite both endeavours, the person remained missing at the time.

“The pools of water where the man was last seen were thoroughly searched in hopes of locating him and providing a level of closure to his family,” S/Sgt Sargent said in July 2025.