IIO Concludes Investigation into the Death of a Man near Nelson (2025-099)
Case: 2025-099 Incident Date: January 18, 2025 Agency: Municipal Location: Nelson Detachment: Nelson Detachment: Nelson Police Department 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 (IIO) of BC has now completed its investigation into the death of a man near Nelson (IIO 2025-099).
On the evening of January 18, 2025 a man was driving on Highway 3A near Grohman Narrows Provincial Park when his vehicle left the road. Police were notified later that evening when he failed to arrive as expected at his destination.
The man was located deceased within his vehicle the following morning near the bottom of a steep embankment. The terrain contained large boulders and trees and the vehicle was not visible from the highway.
The IIO was notified on April 14, 2025 when the family raised concerns about police actions regarding the search for the man.
The delegate of the chief civilian director has reviewed the evidence collected by IIO investigators – including medical evidence, witness statements, cell phone records, and police reports – and determined there was no connection between police action or inaction and the man’s death. Reasonable search efforts were undertaken by members of the Central Kootenay RCMP and the Nelson Police Department to attempt to locate the man when he was reported missing.
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.