[Updated] The B.C. Coroners Service is investigating the death of a 17-year-old boy who fell into the water near Little Qualicum Falls on Friday afternoon.
Emergency crews were called to the river about 2 p.m. after the teenager, who was climbing a rock face near the falls, fell into the water and did not resurface.
Crews searched the area, a steeply sloped canyon with fast-moving water, deep pools and powerful, cascading falls within the Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park.
Search-and-rescue technicians found the boy’s body about 6:15 p.m., said Oceanside RCMP. It was submerged in about 4.6 metres of water.
The RCMP dive team was called for assistance, due to dangerous water currents. They completed the recovery shortly after 9 p.m.
RCMP Victim Services were on the scene throughout the afternoon and evening to support the boy’s friends and family, who waited on the shore. RCMP officers and B.C. Ambulance paramedics were also present.
The boy’s name was not released.
No foul play is suspected.
