Body of missing person found in Okanagan Lake after mudslide near Kelowna
Posted April 13, 2025 4:39 pm.
The search for a person missing after a large mudslide mudslide near Kelowna has ended in tragedy.
Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) says the slide, which happened on April 1, sent 20,000 tons of debris across Westside Road into Okanagan Lake.
Crews were sent to search through a previously occupied camp in the area. After working for a day, searchers were told they could stand down.
A few days later, someone who was believed to have been driving in the area was reported missing.
Crews headed back out on April 6.
“What followed was six long operational periods and nearly 1,000 hours of volunteer time—on land and water,” COSAR said.
“Ground crews. Drones. Boats. K9. Mutual aid from Vernon SAR. Everyone working together to systematically search an enormous and dangerous area.”
One of the dogs involved in the search indicated there might be something in the water where the debris field was believed to be.
“Despite technical issues with our Remote Operated Vehicle (one of only three in B.C.), our marine team managed to locate submerged debris consistent with a vehicle,” the group said.
“On April 12, the missing vehicle and its driver were found in 155 feet of water.”
COSAR says the RCMP’s underwater team has taken over the recovery.
