The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died following a fall near Big Interior Mountain in Strathcona Provincial Park near Campbell River on Oct. 25, 2015.

He is Anders Jason Newman, aged 18, of Cochrane, Alberta, but most recently resident in Victoria.

On the early morning of Oct. 25, 2015, Mr. Newman and six friends left their campsite at Bedwell Lake in Strathcona Park to go for a day’s hike in the area of Little Jim Lake and Big Interior Mountain. At about 8:45 a.m. as the group was descending a trail, Mr. Anders lost his footing and fell over a steep cliff. He was deceased at the scene.

As Mr. Newman’s companions were going to seek help, they met another party of hikers who activated a SPOT locator beacon to alert authorities to the need for assistance. Recovery was accomplished by the Campbell River Search and Rescue team.

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

Mr. Newman’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.