Deaths of man and woman in Similkameen under investigation by RCMP, coroner

A man and woman died yesterday in an outdoor shower shed at a property in the Similkameen police say was being used to a host a gathering over the long weekend.

RCMP were notified by B.C. Emergency Health Services of two adults in medical distress around 9 p.m. yesterday, Aug. 3, in Tulameen, according to an RCMP media release.

The two adults were found in cardiac arrest at a 2 Street property containing several tents that were used to host a long weekend gathering.

Members of the Tulameen Volunteer Fire Department were the first emergency personnel to arrive on scene.

A witness said a 31-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man entered the outdoor shower shed and didn’t emerge. After about an hour, the door was forced open and the two were found unconscious on the floor.

"The man and woman were both pulled from the building by bystanders and emergency first responders performed CPR. Despite the best efforts of all those involved, both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene," RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said in the release.

RCMP do not believe that criminality was involved in the deaths of either individual.

Early findings by investigators indicate the shower out-building was supplied with an on-demand propane hot water system. First responders to the scene noted the strong odour of propane when first present at the scene.

The B.C. Coroners Service was notified and is conducting an independent and concurrent fact-finding investigation to find out the details of how the deaths occurred.

The RCMP and coroner’s office say they have no further information to release at this time. The victims’ identities will not be made public.

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