Missing driver found dead in lake after landslide near Kelowna, B.C.: SAR
A tragic incident unfolded in Kelowna, B.C., as a missing person was discovered deceased in a lake, 155 feet (47 metres) deep, following a devastating mudslide that occurred earlier this month. The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations reported that the landslide occurred on Westside Road around 9:45 p.m. PT on April 1, resulting in the closure of the road in both directions.
The massive mudslide, which caused over 20,000 tons of debris to cascade into Okanagan Lake, was a harrowing event that prompted a swift response from the Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) team. Initially, there were no reports of missing individuals, but suspicions arose later on that a driver may have been caught in the calamity.
Subsequently, the West Kelowna RCMP initiated a missing person investigation, leading to a collaborative search effort by Central Okanagan and Vernon Search and Rescue teams. Unique items believed to belong to the missing individual were discovered in the area, including a boot matching the shoe size of the individual, door panels from a vehicle, propane canisters, a cooler, and a hot tub cover.
Ed Henczel, the search manager for COSAR, revealed that the landslide was triggered by a small creek becoming dammed, resulting in a significant accumulation of water. The force of the released water was so immense that it uprooted trees as high as seven meters, causing widespread destruction.
Despite facing challenging conditions, the search and rescue team dedicated nearly 1,000 volunteer hours to combing through the affected area on land and water. Utilizing drones, boats, and search dogs, the team meticulously scoured the terrain in search of the missing individual.
Ultimately, the missing driver and the vehicle were located submerged in the water on Saturday, prompting the RCMP underwater recovery team to undertake the retrieval operation. In a statement, COSAR expressed their condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, acknowledging the heartbreaking outcome of the search and rescue mission.
As the community grapples with this tragic loss, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the mudslide and its aftermath. The resilience and dedication displayed by the search and rescue teams serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and providing closure to families in times of crisis.
