Brian Lannon, a member of Kamloops Fire Rescue, is presumed dead after a diving accident in Kelowna (Image Credit: Contributed)

By Chad Klassen

firefighter since 1994

Kamloops firefighter presumed drowned after diving accident in Okanagan Lake

May 18, 2021 | 2:20 PM

The City of Kamloops has confirmed a member of Kamloops Fire Rescue is presumed drowned following a diving accident in Okanagan Lake.

Brian Lannon, 53, was on a recreational dive near the W.R. Bennett Bridge in Kelowna on Saturday (May 15) when, during the group’s second dive of the day, something went wrong. Lannon became separated from his diving partner and the dive team lost contact with him.

Dive teams have continued to search for Lannon with no success. It has now become a recovery effort.

“Brian’s family is very grateful for the efforts of the Kelowna RCMP and the RCMP’s dive team, Kelowna Fire Rescue and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue. They also wish to thank Kamloops Fire Rescue for the overwhelming support they have provided,” the statement said.

Lannon was a Captain with Kamloops Fire Rescue where he served as a dedicated Firefighter with his KFR colleagues since 1994.

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“He was a much-loved husband, son, brother and uncle and a cherished friend to many,” the statement noted.

The family is asking for privacy at this time.