B.C. RCMP say they have made the “difficult decision” to suspend the search for an Edmonton swept away in the Kootenay River.
The man was with his family at Canal Flats, about 80 kilometres north of Cranbrook, when the tragedy unfolded around 3:30 p.m., Thursday.
Police say the man entered the river in an attempt to rescue his dog, which had become caught in the current.
“The victim tried to reach his dog when he suddenly lost his footing, fell into the water and failed to resurface,” said B.C. RCMP Southeast District spokesperson Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.
Get breaking National news
“The family’s dog survived and managed to swim back to shore.”
- LeBlanc travelling to Washington to meet with Trump’s trade czar Tuesday
- Using AI for retirement investment advice? It can be risky, experts caution
- Gas price relief may have been short-lived following new strikes on Iran
- Ford government writing to FIFA over ‘ongoing non-compliance’ with ticket resale law
-
![]()
B.C. investigator reveals gang letter claimed 1,000 foot soldiers linked to extortion network -
![]()
South Korean submarine takes part in joint naval exercises in BC -
![]()
Kingston family speaks out after boy dies following allergic reaction -
![]()
Canada’s World Happiness Report ranking slides to 25th among countries surveyed
Police plus search and rescue with K9 and air support scoured the area, but were unable to locate the man on Thursday.
On Friday, police divers returned to the site, but were stymied by challenging river conditions.
READ MORE: ‘Outgoing, dynamic and bright’ football player identified as Shuswap Lake drowning victim
“Investigators now say “all possible efforts” to safely locate and rescue the 43-year-old have been exhausted.
Police say officials will continue to monitor the river level and do regular shoreline and aerial searches when possible.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.