The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a male who died while kayaking in a remote part of the Stikine River in northern British Columbia on Sept. 11, 2012.

The man is Jeffrey Dean West, aged 42, from Ocoee, Tennessee.

Mr. West, a competitive kayaker and kayak instructor, was kayaking alone on the Stikine River. He started where the Stikine River crosses Highway 37 and was to be picked up near Telegraph Creek. Another group of rafters found his body floating in the river in the remote and rugged area known as the Grand Canyon of the Stikine on Sept. 11, 2012. The Grand Canyon of the Stikine is known to be one of the most-challenging kayaking runs in North America.

The BC Coroners Service is continuing to investigate this death.

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

For further information, please contact:

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