Man dies after getting swept over falls near Campbell River

CAMPBELL RIVER – A 42-year-old European man died Monday after being swept over Elk Falls.

Police said the man was on rocks above the falls when he lost his balance, slipped into the water and was carried over the falls.

Campbell River RCMP, fire, ambulance, and search and rescue officials responded to the call shortly before 11 a.m. The body was located a short distance downstream from the falls.

Members of Campbell River Search and Rescue’s rope-rescue team rappelled down the cliff below the Elk Falls lookout and swam through the pool below the falls to retrieve the body. A helicopter was called in to lift it from the canyon.

Police haven’t released the name of the victim.

Campbell River RCMP Sgt. Craig Massey said the death is being investigated by the coroners service.

"We see these tragedies unfold and it gives you an appreciation for life," Massey said. "In the blink of an eye, it can change pretty quick."

Elk Falls thunders down about 25 metres onto sharp rock, flows into a series of pools surrounded by high cliffs and then forms the Campbell River.

A similar incident claimed the life of a 35-year-old Nanaimo man in June 2006.

The death is not related to increased water flows by B.C. Hydro, said spokesman Stephen Watson. Last week, Hydro issued a public safety notice for the Campbell River, advising that water discharges out of the generating station were above normal as a result of the high snowpack. The Elk Falls canyon water flows have been maintained at normal levels, Watson said.

– With a file by Sandra McCulloch