The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of three persons who died following a boating incident near Prince Rupert on Nov. 10, 2013.

They are: Lyle Ray Lukat, aged 24; Patrick John Hawkshaw, aged 40; and Nicole Lucy McKay, aged 23. All three were from Thornhill, a small community immediately across the Skeena River from Terrace.

The three had set out on Nov. 10, 2013, in a 12-foot aluminium boat for a one-night camping trip to Frizzell Hotsprings on the far side of the Skeena River from Highway 16, about 35 kilometres east of Prince Rupert. They were reported missing the next day when they did not return as planned, and a search was launched.

Mr. Lukat was found floating in the Skeena River the next day, and the other two were located, also in the river, on the morning of Nov. 13, 2013. All three were deceased at the scene.

The BC Coroners Service is continuing to investigate these deaths.

The families of all three 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.

Contact:

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