The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of two men who died in a float plane crash near Hesquiat Lake on Aug. 16, 2013.

Grant Clifford Howatt, aged 66, from Ladysmith, was the pilot of the Air Nootka plane which crashed moments after taking off from Hesquiat Lake on a flight to Gold River late on the morning of Aug. 16.

Charles Henry Turner, aged 63, of Courtenay, was one of five passengers aboard the plane.

The other four passengers survived.

The BC Coroners Service, Transportation Safety Board, and WorkSafe BC continue to investigate these deaths.

The families of Mr. Howatt and Mr. Turner have been notified of the 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:

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