The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a visiting student who died while swimming in Shawnigan Lake on July 12, 2015.

He was Abdu-Jamal Ottun, aged 17, of London, England.

Jamal was a member of a rugby team from England touring B.C. and was in the lake with members of his rugby team late in the afternoon of July 12, 2015 when they noticed he was missing. Initial searches were unsuccessful, and Jamal was eventually discovered deceased in the lake by a dive team from Shawnigan Lake Fire Rescue. The cause of Jamal's death is undetermined pending autopsy results.

The BC Coroners Service continues to investigate this death.

Jamal's family 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.

Media Contacts:

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