Divers recover body of man killed in Tyaughton lake float plane crash

RCMP divers have recovered the body of a man who died in a float plane crash at Tyaughton Lake.

The aircraft crashed into the lake, which is about 100 kilometres west of Lillooet, around 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

The RCMP says the victim recovered on Thursday was a 29-year-old man from Aldergrove.

According to the RCMP, witnesses say the float plane plunged into the lake shortly after takeoff, and nearby boaters rushed to try to rescue its occupants.

Two people died, including a 20-year-old Prince George man and the second passenger, who is believed to still be submerged in the capsized wreckage.

The pilot, a 20-year-old Williams Lake man, survived and was airlifted to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to the RCMP.

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In a statement on Facebook, Tyax Adventures — an outdoor adventure company that operates flights from the lake — confirmed that the downed aircraft was not one of its planes.

“Our hearts go out to all those involved and affected and their family, loved ones and friends. We share our sympathy and condolences,” the company wrote. “This is a difficult time.”

Lillooet RCMP and the BC Coroners Service are investigating the crash, but Mounties say it is too soon to speculate on what caused the crash.

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has also closed the lake due to water quality concerns and to allow for investigation and recovery operations.

The lake is closed to recreational users until Monday, Aug. 6.

The SLRD says the water may be unsafe to drink, and can not be rendered potable by boiling it. It says the district will co-ordinate temporary water supplies for area residents who draw water from the lake.