Central Okanagan

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Elly Collins

The BC Coroners Service has confirmed that 59-year-old Elly Collins died after her Jeep went into Wood Lake on Dec. 19.

Collins, who lived in Salmon Arm, retired on April 30, 2011 after 14 years as a transit operator with Coast Mountain Bus Company(CMBC).

A statement from CMBC says, "Elly's contagious smile was often seen as she volunteered and competed in CMBC bus rodeos."

Collins also loved dogs, recently one of her pets won a trophy at a show in Prince George.

People first on the scene and first responders made heroic efforts to get Ms. Collins out of the lake, but it was several minutes before she could be extricated.

She was rushed to Kelowna General Hospital, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

The Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate.