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Drowning victim found

UPDATE 4:20 P.M. JULY 7, 2014 

The body of a missing 25-year-old swimmer who was presumed dead last week has now been recovered. 

A 25-year-old Riondel man went missing June 30 after a swimming accident; his body was located seven days later.

RCMP, Nelson SAR and Gene Ralston worked together to locate his body in Kootenay Lake.  

The man's body was found in 146 feet of water and has now been turned over to the BC Coroner. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ralston are a couple out of Idaho who specialize in underwater searches and have been conducting body searches since the early 1980's. They travel with their boat, which uses side-scanning sonar to locate drowning victims.

The Creston RCMP say they cannot thank Mr. and Mrs. Ralston enough for their assistance in this recovery. Once contacted about this situation the couple rearranged their schedule so they could attend on Sunday July 6. 


JULY 2, 2014 ORIGINAL STORY

A 25-year-old Riondel man is presumed drowned after a swimming accident Monday afternoon.

On June 30, at 4:43 p.m., the Creston RCMP received a report of a swimming accident at Star Valley Cliff on Kootenay Lake just north of Grey Creek.

Two men had been diving at the popular spot, well known to the local community, when one hit the water awkwardly. The second man made efforts to pull his friend to safety but the unconscious swimmer slipped under the water and did not resurface. The victim was familiar with the area having been a long time resident and was described as an experienced cliff diver.

The man's name is being withheld pending notification of his family.

The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team and Nelson Search and Rescue continue efforts to recover the body, which is believed to be in approximately 170 feet of water.

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