The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a woman who died after being rescued from the Puntledge River in Courtenay on Jan. 30, 2015.

She was Veronika Sophie Weaver, aged 26, from Comox.

Passers-by spotted Ms. Weaver and a young child in the Puntledge River near the area of the Condensory Bridge near downtown Courtenay shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2015, and immediately notified emergency authorities. Ms. Weaver was recovered from the river by RCMP and Comox Valley Search-and-Rescue personnel about 1.5 kilometres further downstream, near the 5th Street Bridge.

Ms. Weaver was immediately transported to St. Joseph’s General Hospital, but could not be resuscitated.

The child was also rescued and remains in BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

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

The family of Ms. Weaver has been notified of her death. 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:

Matt Brown
Regional Coroner, Island Region
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9133