The death of a man found in Fernie’s Elk River this past July has prompted an investigation by the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC.
The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. said preliminary information indicates Elk Valley RCMP officers were called on July 11 after a member of the public found an unresponsive man in the river.
Officers located the man, who was declared dead.
It was later revealed the man had been reported missing on June 20, 2026 and had interacted with police before his death.
The BC Coroners Service notified the IIO of the man’s death on July 14, resulting in the start of an investigation by the IIO.
Throughout the investigation so far the IIO Investigators have collected evidence, identified witnesses and conducted initial interviews.
The investigation remains ongoing, with evidence being reviewed and more interviews planned.
The IIO examines whether police actions or a failure to act were connected to serious harm or death.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-855-446-8477 or to use the contact form at iiobc.ca.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up for MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
