
High water on the Thompson rivers in Kamloops on May 21, 2023. (Photo via Victor Kaisar)
The body of a Thompson Rivers University student who went missing earlier this month after being swept away by the current of the Thompson River has been found.
Kamloops RCMP confirmed Tuesday that the man’s body was recovered near MacArthur Island on the morning of July 15, following an extensive nine-day search involving multiple agencies. The man had last been seen entering the river near Overlander Park around 5:14 p.m. on Sunday, July 6.
“On Tuesday July 15, the man’s body was retrieved from the river near MacArthur Island,” said Sgt. Chris Kienzle, spokesperson for the Kamloops RCMP. “We hope that his discovery can bring a small amount of closure for his family and friends.”
The man’s identity has not been released, in accordance with the family’s wishes and privacy protocols. He was an international student attending TRU, according to earlier RCMP statements. His family overseas has since been notified through the RCMP’s Foreign Domestic Liaison Unit.
Initial reports indicate the student was playing volleyball with a group of friends near the water at Overlander Park when the ball drifted into the river. He entered the water to retrieve it and was quickly caught in a strong undercurrent. Two friends attempted to assist but were also pulled in; both were rescued by emergency responders, while the student disappeared beneath the surface.
Kamloops Fire Rescue was the first to respond and initiated a swift water search along the shoreline and surrounding Rabbit Island. The search was later handed over to the RCMP, who brought in additional support from Kamloops Search and Rescue, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team, Marine Operations, and Air Services.
Search crews combed the river over the following days, urging members of the public to stay clear of the area to allow operations to continue safely and effectively.
The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns related to river use during the summer months. Kamloops Fire Rescue had issued warnings earlier in the season about the dangers posed by strong currents and unpredictable water conditions, especially for individuals who are not strong swimmers.
The Kamloops RCMP Detachment has extended its condolences to the student’s family and friends.