The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died in a float plane crash near Stuart Island on May 21, 2013.

He was Harold James Long, aged 72, from Powell River.

Mr. Long served as MLA for the Mackenzie riding (as it was then named) from 1986 to 1991 and again as MLA for the riding of Powell River-Sunshine Coast from 2001 to 2005.

Mr. Long was the pilot and sole occupant of a DHC-2 Beaver float plane that was spotted overturned in Bute Inlet on the west side of Stuart Island in the late afternoon of May 21, 2013. Search-and-rescue technicians, the Canadian Coast Guard and RCMP attended the scene, confirmed Mr. Long's death and completed the recovery later in the day.

The BC Coroners Service, Transportation Safety Board and RCMP continue to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Long 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.

The BC Coroners Service expresses its condolences to family and friends of Mr. Long, and its thanks to the Victoria Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Canadian Coast Guard and RCMP for their assistance with this case.

For further information, please contact:

Matt Brown
Regional Coroner, Island Region
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9133