Today’s Poll

UPDATED: NPD officer killed in avalanche near Kaslo identified

Local Journalism Initiative
By Local Journalism Initiative
January 10th, 2023

The City of Nelson has released the name of the officer killed Monday involved in a fatal avalanche near Kaslo.

The City of Nelson media release said the deceased officer has been identified as Robert (Wade) Tittemore, age 43.

“Constable Tittemore was a valued member of the Nelson City Police for over four years. Cst. Tittemore was an avid backcountry enthusiast who loved skiing, hiking, and backpacking,” the media release said.

“He moved to Nelson from Calgary, where he served with the Calgary Police Service for 11 years. Constable Tittemore has a wife and two sons.”

The media release said that Tttemore and Mathieu Nolet, age 28, were off duty, touring in the backcountry near Kaslo, approximately 60 kilometers north of Nelson.

RCMP said officers were called at approximately 12:23 p.m. Monday of an avalanche near the Goat Range Provincial Park near Kaslo.

RCMP said that two skiers were caught in the avalanche — one rescued and provided first aid by others in the area while the search began for the second skier.

The injured skier was evacuated by helicopter to a local area hospital in critical condition.

Constable Nolet was seriously injured in the avalanche and remains in critical condition in the ICU.

Unfortunately, the second individual, who was buried approximately two meters under the snow, was located but efforts to save his life was unsuccessful.

“Nelson is one of the smallest municipal police forces in Canada, and we are like one big family,” said Nelson Police Chief Donovan Fisher.  

“The impact of the death of Constable Tittemore has a profound effect on the force and our community.”

“Our deepest condolences go out to his family,” Chief Fisher added.

The two skiers, experienced in the backcountry and wearing transceivers, entered the area using a snowmobile and hiked to ski a bowl in the alpine.

The media release said that supports are in place through the City of Nelson and the Nelson Police Department to assist the employees and their families during this tragic time.

The City of Nelson, Mayor & Council and the Nelson Police Department appreciate the outpouring of condolences, support and assistance.

The public is invited to email their condolences for Constable Tittemore’s family at condolences@nelson.ca.

Previous Story:

Two NPD officers involved in avalanche near Kaslo

The Nelson Police Department was rocked with tragic news Monday after hearing of that two members were involved in an avalanche while snowmobiling near Kaslo.

In a statement on its Facebook page, the Nelson Police Board said two officers were struck by an avalanche while on snowmobiles near the North Kootenay village.

“The Nelson Police Board would like to inform the public that a City of Nelson police officer has been killed and another officer critically injured in avalanche near Kaslo, BC.,” the statement said.

“The Nelson Police Board, the City of Nelson, and the Nelson Police Department offer their condolences and support to the families at this time.”

The two officers were not identified.

Nelson Police Chief Donovan Fisher told the media that the two male officers were not on duty at the time of the accident and were in the Kaslo area snowmobiling together recreationally.

Chief Fisher said the two officers were due back at work on Tuesday.

After hearing about the accident, Primer Minister Justin Trudeau offered his condolences in a Twitter post.

“I’m incredibly saddened to hear about the death of a police officer near Kaslo, British Columbia yesterday,” Prime Minister Trudeau said.

“To their family and friends, Canadians are with you. And to the officer who was injured, we’re wishing you a fast and full recovery.”

The Nelson Police Board post said more information would be released in the coming days.

Categories: General

Other News Stories

Opinion