The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died following an interaction with police in Port Hardy on July 8, 2015.

The man was James Reginald Butters, also known as James Hayward, aged 24, a resident of Port McNeill.

Mr. Butters was shot during an encounter with Port Hardy RCMP which occurred about 11 a.m. on July 8, 2015, near the intersection of Highway 19 and Granville Street in Port Hardy. Mr. Butters was deceased at the scene.

The BC Coroners Service and the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) continue to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Butters has been notified of his death.

For further information, please contact:

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