The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man and woman who died following an ATV incident near Lake Country in the Okanagan on July 18, 2013.

The man was Joshua Mitchel Hoffart, aged 30, of Lake Country, and the woman was Maria Casandra Karountzos, also aged 30, of Creston.

The pair had left a residence in Lake Country late in the evening of July 18 on an ATV. When they had not returned by the next morning, they were reported missing to the RCMP and a search was begun. They were found on July 19. The ATV had gone off Oyama Lake Road and over a 30-metre embankment. Both were deceased at the scene.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate these deaths.

The families of both persons have been notified of their deaths. 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:

Larry Marzinzik
Regional Coroner, Interior Region
BC Coroners Service
250 861-7429