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Missing male located

Missing 18-year-old man located deceased after falling through ice: RCMP

Feb 11, 2025 | 9:33 AM

SHUSWAP LAKE — Mounties in British Columbia say an 18-year-old man has been located deceased after falling through the ice at Shuswap Lake over the weekend.

According to a statement from police spokesperson Corporal James Grandy from RCMP E Division, Salmon Arm RCMP officers received a report on Saturday, February 8, just after 2 p.m., that an 18-year-old male had fallen through the ice on Shuswap Lake, between the Raven subdivision and Sandy Point in Salmon Arm.

First responders consisting of Salmon Arm Search and Rescue, the Salmon Arm Fire Department, and BC Emergency Health Services immediately attended the scene and began searching for the man. The RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team was later called to assist.

After extensive search efforts by the RCMP Dive Team and local Search and Rescue personnel, the man was found deceased late Monday afternoon, Feb. 10.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that has deeply affected the family, first responders, and the community,” said S/Sgt. Simon Scott, Salmon Arm RCMP’s Detachment commander. “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the young man during this incredibly difficult time.”

Due to changing temperatures and unpredictable ice conditions, Salmon Arm RCMP strongly urge the public to stay off all frozen lakes. Ice that may appear stable can quickly become hazardous, putting lives at risk.

“Our officers and Search and Rescue partners have witnessed the dangers firsthand, and we cannot stress enough the importance of avoiding frozen bodies of water,” said S/Sgt. Scott. “We urge everyone to take extreme caution and prioritize safety to prevent another tragedy.”

Police say there are no further details available at this time.

The incident comes less than a week after two brothers from the Fraser Valley, Case and Erik Timmermans, tragically fell through the ice at Grace Lake, located northwest of Agassiz. Their bodies were located. Agassiz RCMP along with Kent-Harrison Search and Rescue (SAR), Mission SAR, and Chilliwack SAR were dispatched to the scene where two bodies were located below the surface of the ice. The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team (URT) was called out to execute the challenging recovery operation.