Investigators from the BC Coroners Service’s special investigations unit have arrived on Gabriola Island to begin their work to determine the identities of those who died and the circumstances that led to their deaths.

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, shortly after 6 p.m., reports of a possible plane crash on Gabriola Island were received by first responders, including BC Emergency Health Services and the Gabriola Island RCMP. The BC Coroners Service was notified once first responders confirmed fatalities.

Investigation has determined that a small aircraft crashed in a wooded residential area on the northwest corner of Gabriola Island. There is a significant debris field at the site.

BC Coroners Service identification specialists, in co-ordination with the Transportation Safety Board and RCMP, are gathering information from the scene to establish the identities of the decedents. Confirmation of the number of deceased and their identities will occur once identification has been definitively established and their family members have been notified. This process may take several days.

The RCMP and BC Coroners Service will not release any further information on the incident at this time and will provide updates once additional details are available.

Learn More: 

BC Coroners Service Special Investigations Unit and Identification Unit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/coroners-service/special-investigations-unit