The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died following a boating incident on a lake near McLeod Lake on Aug. 5, 2012.

The man is Ralph Der, aged 59, from Prince George.

Mr. Der was fishing from a small boat on Carp Lake, a well-known fishing spot about two hours' drive north of Prince George, when he left his boat to retrieve an item that had fallen into the lake. He was seen having difficulties staying afloat and disappeared in the water shortly afterwards.

An immediate attempt to locate him was unsuccessful; however, a search team was able to find and recover him on Aug. 15.

The Coroners Service is continuing to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Der 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. Der.

With another weekend of expected hot summer weather coming up, the Coroners Service is renewing its call for all recreational water users to wear personal flotation devices while in boats, to supervise children carefully, and to exercise care when around rivers, lakes or the ocean.

For further information, please contact:

Barb McLintock

Coroner, Strategic Programs

BC Coroners Service

250 356-9253

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect