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B.C.’s police watchdog investigating North Okanagan death

Male was reported missing Dec. 29 early morning; RCMP conducted an overnight search
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The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO). (File Photo)

The death of a Lumby man is under investigation by B.C.’s police watchdog.

The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of B.C. is reporting a case in progress in relation to a Tuesday, Dec. 29 incident.

A person was reported missing Tuesday, Dec. 29 just beofre 1 a.m. and the RCMP was called to search the area.

“They worked at that for some period of time until early hours this morning and were going to reconvene today,” IIO chief civilian director Ron MacDonald said.

Police searched until about 3:30 a.m. About half an hour later the missing person was found deceased in a structure by a family member.

After medical intervention by B.C. Emergency Health Services, the person was pronounced dead.

“The cause of death is not considered suspicious,” MacDonald said.

The reason for the investigation is because police were somewhat involved in the incident. The invesigation will determine, according to MacDonald, “whether the inactions of police led to the cause of death.”

No identifying details in the deceased are being released due to the nature of the community.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the IIO witness line at 1-855-446-8477.

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Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

Vernon has always been my home, and I've been working at The Morning Star since 2004.
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