The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of three males who died in separate drowning incidents in the British Columbia Interior over the past weekend.

Mervyn Kenneth Reinson, aged 66, of Langley, was boating alone on Okanagan Lake on Aug. 16, 2013. He was seen beneath the water near the Kelowna Yacht Club. He was rescued and transported to Kelowna General Hospital, but did not survive.

Randolph Peter (Randy) Lundblad, aged 73, of Kaslo, had ridden his bicycle to Mirror Lake, about five kilometres south of the town in the early afternoon of Aug. 18. He was seen to dive into the lake and shortly thereafter to be in trouble in the water. The witnesses were unable to rescue him and he was deceased at the scene.

Mitesh Krishnil Gounder, aged 23, of Surrey, had spent the afternoon of Aug. 18 on a rented boat on Okanagan Lake with a friend. About 6:45 p.m., he went into the lake for a last swim and was seen to be in trouble in the water shortly afterward. He was not able to be rescued and emergency personnel were called out. He was spotted by an RCMP helicopter the next morning, and his body was recovered.

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

The families of all three men 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.

As summer weather continues, the BC Coroners Service reiterates the need for everyone engaging in recreational activities near water to take extra care for their own safety.

For further information, please contact:

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