The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man
who died after a boat incident at Sproat Lake near Port Alberni on July
11, 2015.
He was Michael David Douglas, aged 39, of Langford.
Mr. Douglas and a friend were operating a boat on the afternoon of July
11, 2015 when the boat’s engine cut out suddenly and the boat appeared
to lift in the air before crashing back into the lake.
Those nearby immediately came to assist and were able to rescue one male from the
water. He is being treated in hospital for serious injuries. Mr.
Douglas was recovered deceased from the lake by RCMP dive team members
the next day. Cause of death is undetermined pending autopsy findings.
The BC Coroners Service and Port Alberni RCMP continue to investigate
the cause of this incident and Mr. Douglas’ death.
Mr Douglas’ family has been notified of his death. On behalf of family
members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their
privacy at this difficult time.
Meanwhile the BC Coroners Service has also just confirmed the identity of a
visiting student who died while swimming in Shawnigan Lake on July
12, 2015.
He was Abdu-Jamal Ottun, aged 17, of London, England.
Jamal was a member of a rugby team from England touring B.C. and was
in the lake with members of his rugby team late in the afternoon of
July 12, 2015 when they noticed he was missing.
Initial searches were unsuccessful, and Jamal was eventually discovered deceased in
the lake by a dive team from Shawnigan Lake Fire Rescue. The cause
of Jamal’s death is undetermined pending autopsy results.
The BC Coroners Service continues to investigate this death.
Jamal’s family has been notified of his death. On behalf of family
members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their
privacy at this difficult time.
