28-07-2025
19-year-old dead after falling into fast-moving river near Hope, B.C.
Members of Hope Search and Rescue's swiftwater team wade into the waters at the Othello Tunnels to mount a rescue operation in 2024. (Facebook/Hope Search and Rescue)
A 19-year-old man is dead after reportedly falling into a fast-flowing section of the Coquihalla River near Hope, B.C.
First responders were called to Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park shortly after 6:15 p.m. Saturday after the man went into water near the Othello Tunnels.
Mounties say a bystander was rescued by a raft after becoming stranded while trying to locate the fallen man.
'First responders searched the area using a remotely piloted aircraft system, however they were unable to locate the man,' Sgt. Vanessa Munn said in a statement Monday.
'It is believed that he is likely is trapped below the surface due to the heavy current.'
An RCMP underwater recovery team assessed the scene on Sunday and will help co-ordinate a recovery operation at a later date 'due to the steep terrain and fast flowing water,' according to police.
The province has closed the Othello Tunnels area to the public until further notice.
