Tragic drowning on Father’s Day

Father’s Day ended in tragedy for a family visiting a natural attraction in Kelowna.

A Lower Mainland family was at the Mill Creek waterfall on Old Vernon Road and Spencer Road Sunday around 5:30 p.m. when a girl fell in and her father went into the water to try and help her.

The girl was able to get to shore, but the 46-year-old man was not.

Bystanders pulled the man from the water and began CPR, which was taken over by paramedics when they arrived.

“Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, the 46-year-old man could not be resuscitated and passed away,” said Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy, of the Kelowna Regional RCMP Detachment. “RCMP Victim Services is providing support to the witnesses and the victim’s family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.”

The BC Coroners Service is investigating the circumstances around the death, with the victim’s name and other details not being released.