IIO Concludes Investigation into July 2026 Death in Fernie (2026-160)
Case: 2026-160 Incident Date: June 20, 2026 Detachment: Fernie Location: Fernie Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) has concluded its investigation into the death of a man in Fernie that occurred in July 2026 (IIO 2026-160).
Members of the Elk Valley RCMP were called on July 11, 2026, after a member of the public located a deceased man in the Elk River near Morrisey. The BC Coroners Service reported the man’s death to the IIO.
It was later learned the man had been reported missing on June 20, 2026. The IIO confirmed the man had a previous interaction with police in Fernie on that date and commenced an investigation.
The chief civilian director has now reviewed the evidence collected by IIO investigators – including witness accounts, police reports and medical information – and has determined that there is no connection between police actions or inaction and the man’s death.
The IIO investigation is now concluded.
Background
The IIO is the Independent civilian oversight agency of the police in British Columbia. It investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.