Teen dies in lake incident

RCMP and the B.C. Coroners Service are investigating the tragic death of a boy in the Central Okanagan.

“On August 17, 2019 just before 1 a.m., emergency crews in West Kelowna rushed to Gellatly Bay of Okanagan Lake in response to a 911 emergency call for a report a drowning incident. Police learned that a teenage youth had reportedly jumped into the waters of Okanagan Lake from the Ferry Wharf recreational structure, and sadly failed to re-surface,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

Emergency first responders located and pulled the boy from the water, onto the wharf where they immediately began CPR.

The victim was rushed to hospital by the Advanced Life Support crew of B.C. Emergency Health Services.

“Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, the 15-year-old boy could not be resuscitated and passed away in hospital,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesman for the Kelowna Regional RCMP Detachment. “RCMP Victim Services are providing support to the witnesses and the victim’s family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the boy’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

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The B.C. Coroners Service is also investigating the youth’s sudden death.

Due to the privacy of the deceased, as per the Coroners Act, no further information will be released by the RCMP or the Coroners Service.