The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died as the result of an avalanche near Stewart on Oct. 23, 2012.

He was Pat Lawrence Desmarais, aged 50, of Telkwa.

On the afternoon of Oct. 23, Mr. Desmarais and a partner were conducting mining surveying work on a steep slope near Sulphurets Creek, a remote location about 50 kilometres north of Stewart near the Alaska border.

Both men were hit by an avalanche. The partner managed to extricate himself, but Mr. Desmarais was swept away by the avalanche, falling about 300 metres down the steep slope. He was deceased at the scene.

The BC Coroners Service and the Office of the Chief Inspector of Mines continue to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Desmarais 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 or 250 213-5020