The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a woman who died after being struck by a rock which went through the windshield of a vehicle in which she was a passenger.

She was Janice Cairns, aged 36, of Calgary, Alberta.

Mrs. Cairns was a passenger in the front seat of the family vehicle, travelling northbound on Hwy 93/95 on the morning of Oct. 5, 2012. At the Kootenay River Bridge at Canal Flats, a large rock was thrown up from the wheels of a truck-trailer unit travelling southbound. The rock entered the passenger compartment of the Cairns vehicle through the windshield and struck Mrs. Cairns, killing her instantly. All others in the vehicle escaped physical injury.

The Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate this death.

The family of Mrs. Cairns has been notified of her death. On behalf of family members, the Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

For further information, please contact:

Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253 or 250 213-5020