A City of Calgary firefighter downed in Columbia Lake, near Columere Park, in the early morning of June 28.

At approximately 5:50 a.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a 911 call reporting that a 32-year-old male from Calgary, Alberta was believed to have drowned in a canoeing accident in the northwest end of Columbia Lake.

Police attended and learned that a 32-year-old Calgary firefighter, along with some friends and family, had decided to camp at a resort in this area of Columbia Lake. This is something that they do at this location on a regular basis.

After a night spent with friends and family the firefighter and a friend decided to go fishing around 4 a.m. Using a canoe they paddled out into the lake approximately 200 metres off shore when it suddenly capsized. They did not have life jackets or personal floatation devices with them.

As the firefighter was not a strong swimmer, his friend attempted to swim back in with the canoe and he in tow. When the friend noticed the firefighter struggling to keep on the surface he attempted to help him, but this became too exhausting for him. Eventually after the firefighter was unable to resurface, the friend swam to shore where he called 911.

Columbia Valley RCMP, Search & Rescue, Windermere Fire Dept. and BC Ambulance Service were activated. The waters and shoreline were searched however the male was not seen or located until some time later. The RCMP Dive Team was also activated and assisted with recovery of the victim.

BC Coroners Service was also called to the scene and at this time and has assumed the investigation into this tragic accident. The Columbia Valley RCMP extend their sympathy to the grieving family, friends and the Calgary Fire Deptartment.

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