The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of the man who died when a bridge on which he was standing was swept away by flood waters on June 23, 2012.

The man has been identified as Edward Posnikoff, aged 72, of Crescent Valley.

On the evening of June 23, Mr. Posnikoff was standing on a bridge over Goose Creek near the edge of his property in Crescent Valley near Nelson. A family member witnessed the bridge collapsing under pressure from the flood waters, and Mr. Posnikoff being swept away.

Mr. Posnikoff's body was found and recovered by Nelson Search and Rescue on the morning of June 24, about one kilometre downstream from where he was seen to go into the creek.

The family of Mr. Posnikoff has been notified of his death. On behalf of the family, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy.

The BC Coroners Service offers its condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Posnikoff, and its appreciation for the assistance provided by the Nelson Search and Rescue team.

The BC Coroners Service also stresses again to the public the dangers of fast-flowing rivers and streams during this time, and urges everyone to take extreme caution when near any areas of high water.

For further information, please contact:

Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253