The BC Coroners Service is commending the Ministry of Environment for quickly upgrading signage at the site of a park visitor’s fatal fall.

On Monday, a Dutch tourist slipped and fell into the Campbell River on Vancouver Island, at Elk Falls. BC Parks staff met with the local coroner at the accident site on Wednesday for a preliminary review of the incident, and committed to:

• Add 12 signs bearing international symbols for fall and water hazards to the complement of BC Parks and BC Hydro warning signs already in place.
• Discuss with BC Hydro the feasibility of replacing a sign that was posted on the rocks, but washed away by high water.
• Meet with the local coroner and other agencies, such as the RCMP, to discuss further public safety strategies.

By the end of the month, BC Parks staff will also conduct a full risk assessment of potential dangers for visitors to Elk Falls Provincial Park, as well as possible mitigation options like fencing.

As well, BC Parks has updated its Elk Falls website with the following caution to visitors:

“BC Parks warns all park visitors to stay back at least three metres from the water’s edge in high-risk areas, wear appropriate footwear, keep children and pets close to parents at all times and pets on a leash at all times around rushing water.”

The BC Coroners Service continues its investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death. No decision about whether or not to conduct an inquest into the death has been made.

Contact:

Matt Brown
Regional Coroner, Vancouver Island Region
BC Coroners Service
604 660-8219