The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died while canoeing on a small, private lake near Christina Lake on Aug. 9, 2012.

The man is Richard Arthur Thomas, aged 78, from Christina Lake.

Mr. Thomas was canoeing on Moody Lake, a small, man-made lake about three kilometres west of Christina Lake. He was cutting weeds from the lake bottom when he apparently fell from the canoe. He was later located about 15 metres from shore in about three metres of water.

The Coroners Service is continuing to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Thomas has been notified of his death. On behalf of family members, 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. Thomas.

With another summer weekend coming up, the Coroners Service reiterates its call for all recreational water users to exercise care when around rivers, lakes or the ocean. In particular, the Coroners Service stresses the need for everyone to wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) when involved in any type of boating activity. People are also reminded to supervise children carefully and to remember that alcohol and water-related activities do not mix.

For further information, please contact:

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