The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a male who was found deceased on a sandbar in the Similkameen River near Princeton on July 2, 2014.

He was Thomas Tomusiak, aged 67, of Princeton.

Mr. Tomusiak had been observed walking away from a family gathering at a community recreation facility about 10 metres from the river in Princeton on the afternoon of July 1. When the gathering ended, he could not be found and was reported missing by family members. The next morning, an RCMP helicopter spotted Mr. Tomusiak on a sandbar about 11 kilometres downstream from where he was last seen. He was deceased at the scene.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Tomusiak has been notified of his death. On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service asks that 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