Coquitlam Search and Rescue (SAR) is extending condolences to the family of the person who was swept over Widgeon Falls this week.
In a tweet, the local volunteer team posted that members had searched for “several hours” after being called to the scene Monday afternoon (June 21).
“After several hours of searching the subject was recovered,” Coquitlam SAR stated.
Coquitlam RCMP confirmed that Coquitlam SAR recovered a body in the search. The family of the victim, who was a Coquitlam resident, has been notified, spokesperson Const. Deanna Law tells Tri-City News.
The call came in at 3:30 p.m. on Monday to Ridge Meadows RCMP, but was referred to Coquitlam RCMP as the accident occurred on the Coquitlam side of the Pitt River.
Police set up a command post, Const. Law said, and search and rescue volunteers arrived via helicopter and electric bike.
Among the search members were individuals with swift-water search training who searched for the victim in the waters near the falls.
On Monday afternoon Coquitlam SAR responded to reports of a person swept over Widgeon Falls.
— Coquitlam SAR (@CoquitlamSAR) June 23, 2021
After several hours of searching the subject was recovered.
Our condolences to the friends and family of the deceased. pic.twitter.com/6p9nPJnP2n
Also involved in the rescue effort were Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue and Talon helicopter pilots.
The BC Coroners Service is investigating the accident, a spokesperson confirmed, however, the investigation is in its early stages and no further information is being provided. As well, the name of the victim is not being released due to privacy considerations.
The incident reveals the importance of being safe in the local mountains.
“Always use caution around fast moving water. Rising temperatures can increase snowmelt from the mountains above which can cause water levels to fluctuate throughout the day,” Coquitlam SAR further stated in its tweet.
Widgeon Falls is a popular hiking destination located on the north side of Pitt Lake, within Pinecone Burke Provincial Park.
