The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who drowned in a rafting accident in the Stamp River near Port Alberni on July 15, 2012.

The man is Cory Donald Heinz, aged 22, from Qualicum.

Mr. Heinz had travelled to the Stamp Falls Provincial Park and was rafting with friends on the Stamp River when he was thrown from the raft that he and his friends had made by securing three small inflatable boats together.

Mr. Heinz was pulled from the river by passers-by but was pronounced deceased at the scene by BC Ambulance Service personnel.

The Coroners Service is continuing to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Heinz has been notified of his death. On behalf of the family, the Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

The BC Coroners Service expresses its condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Heinz and also its appreciation to the Alberni Valley Rescue Squad who assisted in recovery operations.

For further information, please contact:

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