Second Nelson, B.C. officer dies after avalanche near Kaslo

The second Nelson police officer who was caught up in a Jan. 9 avalanche near Kaslo, B.C. has died in hospital.

The City of Nelson confirmed Const. Mathieu Nolet’s passing on Jan. 21.

He and Const. Wade Tittemore were off duty and had been backcountry skiing when they were swept down the mountain.

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Nolet was found in the aftermath of the avalanche by people who were in the area. Tittemore died at the scene.

“It is hard to fully express the sadness we are feeling here,” Nelson Police Chief Donovan Fisher said Jan. 21. “The memorial for Constable Tittemore was this past week, and now we’ve lost a second officer and friend. It is devastating.”

Tittemore’s funeral was held on Wednesday. Fisher said that day that the 43-year-old was being posthumously promoted to detective “in recognition of his hard work, dedication, and skills.”

Nelson Police Constable Wade Tittemore poses in this undated handout photo. Tittemore, 43, who died in an avalanche Monday while skiing off-duty with a colleague just north of Kaslo, B.C., is being remembered as gentle man who looked out for those who were new to the force. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO – City of Nelson

The city notes both Nolet and Tittemore were “experienced and well-trained backcountry enthusiasts.” Nolet had worked in Nelson for just over a year, previously serving with the Calgary Police Service.

Officials say he had moved to Nelson because of his love for the outdoors. Nolet had been at the hospital in Kelowna in critical condition with severe internal injuries.

“We have one of the smallest municipal police forces in the country,” said Nelson Mayor Janice Morrison. “This tragedy has hit us hard; our deepest condolences go out to constable Nolet’s family.”

B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth offered his condolences Saturday following Nolet’s death.

“It is with a heavy heart today I have been informed Nelson Police Department’s Const. Matthieu Nolet has sadly succumbed to his injuries,” he said.

“My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. The loss of both officers from a backcountry avalanche event is a tremendous loss for Nelson and we are here to support them as they navigate through this difficult time,” Farnworth’s statement continued.

“I also want to thank the first responders and health-care staff for their work responding to this tragic event. Our thoughts remain with the community through this time of grieving.”