The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died following a fishing incident near Williams Lake on July 31, 2016.

He was Shane Colebank, aged 35, of Williams Lake.

In the early morning hours of July 31, 2016, Mr. Colebank was one of a group of people fishing with dip-nets in the Fraser River near the Xats’ull Heritage Site Road. About 1:30 a.m. he slipped and fell into the river. He had a rope tied around his waist, but when his companions tried to rescue him, the rope broke, and he was swept away down the river. Searches at the time found no trace of Mr. Colebank.

On the afternoon of Aug. 5, 2016, a tour guide taking a group of the river spotted Mr. Colebank partially in the river about three kilometres north of Dog Creek. The guide notified authorities, and Mr. Colebank was recovered, deceased, from the river.

The BC Coroners Service continues to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Colebank 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.