The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died after a swimming incident on Gabriola Island on June 28, 2015.

He was Werner Karl Bachmann, aged 86, from Gabriola Island.

Mr. Bachmann was seen to enter the water to go swimming in the ocean at Twin Beaches at Gabriola Sands Provincial Park on the northwest tip of Gabriola Island at about 2 p.m. on June 28. About 50 minutes later onlookers noted him to be in distress in the water, and pulled him to shore. However, he could not be resuscitated.

The BC Coroners Service continues to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Bachmann has been notified of his 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