Othello Tunnels Closed After Tragic Fall into Coquihalla River
So, there's been some really tragic news coming out of British Columbia recently, and it’s left a lot of people shaken—especially those who love visiting the Othello Tunnels near Hope.
Over the weekend, a 19-year-old man is believed to have fallen into the Coquihalla River at Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. It happened just after 6 p.m. on Saturday, right near the popular Othello Tunnels, which are known for their scenic trails through old railway corridors carved into the canyon walls.
RCMP confirmed that he fell into the water, and unfortunately, he hasn’t been found yet. Powerful river currents are suspected to have trapped him beneath the surface. A bystander had actually jumped in and tried to help, which is incredibly brave—but they ended up getting stuck as well. Thankfully, search and rescue crews were able to reach that person and bring them to safety.
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Since then, search efforts have been ongoing. Crews even used drones to scan the area from above, hoping to spot any sign of the missing teen. But with the steep canyon terrain and how fast the water is moving right now, recovery efforts have been delayed. A specialized RCMP dive team has been brought in to help with planning, but due to the dangerous conditions, they haven’t been able to move forward with a full recovery operation just yet.
As a result, the Othello Tunnels have been closed to the public until further notice. It’s a precaution, of course, but also a somber reminder of how quickly nature can turn from breathtaking to dangerous.
If you've ever been there, you know how beautiful that area is. It draws visitors from all over the province—and beyond. But the terrain is rugged, and the river can be deceivingly fierce, especially at this time of year. While it's a beloved spot for hikes and photos, this tragedy highlights the need to always be aware of the risks around natural features like fast-moving water.
For now, the community is waiting for updates, hoping for some closure for the young man's family. Authorities are urging people to respect the closure and stay safe near rivers and canyons, especially during the summer when water levels and currents can be unpredictable.
It's a heartbreaking story, and our thoughts are with everyone affected.
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