The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a male found deceased aboard a BC Ferries vessel after its departure from the Nanaimo (Departure Bay) terminal at 9 p.m. on Feb. 19, 2014.

The man has now been determined to be Ray Nelson, aged 56, of Port Alberni.

The identification was made with assistance from Nanaimo RCMP Investigation Section and through tips received by West Vancouver Police Department after a public release requesting assistance from local communities. The BC Coroners Service wishes to offer special thanks to the BC Police Missing Persons Unit, and of course to all those who phoned in tips to police and coroners.

The family of Mr. Nelson has been notified of his death. On behalf of the family, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

Media Contact:

Dr. Bill Inkster, Coroner
Manager, Identification & Disaster Response Unit
Office of the Chief Coroner
604 660-8198