Murder charge in lake death

Photo: In the Loop Interior Health

Arlene Westervelt's death while canoeing on Okanagan Lake in 2016 is now being considered a homicide, and her husband has been charged.

Lake Country RCMP sent out a media release late Saturday night announcing that the Southeast District Major Crime Unit had charged 63-year-old Lake Country resident Lambertus (Bert) Westervelt with second degree murder. 

"Initially thought by investigators to be a tragic accident on the water, [it] is now believed to be a homicide," reads the release from Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey.

Arlene was 56 years old when she died on June 26, 2016 while canoeing and picnicking near Lake Country. Her body was found the next day in 35 feet of water, approximately 100 feet from shore. Specially trained divers recovered her remains.

Her husband was taken into custody without incident Friday afternoon. He will appear in court Monday in Kelowna.

Arlene was an Interior Health employee who worked in Kelowna, according to social media posts. 

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Southeast District Major Crime Unit at the dedicated tip line 1-877-987-8477.