Revelstoke drowning victim identified as Les Wetselaar

Revelstoke RCMP have released the name of the many they presume drowned when he was swept away in the Columbia River on Wednesday.

RCMP say Leslie ‘Les’ Wetselaar, 69, was swept away while socializing with acquaintances at the Centennial Park Boat Ramp. Signs at the location warn that the water is very cold with strong, changing river currents. The currents get even stronger just downstream of the location, including prominent whirlpools as the river narrows past Centennial Park.

So far, RCMP say they have been unable to locate any relatives of Wetselaar, and are asking anyone who is a relative or has further information on the man to contact the Revelstoke detachment at 250-837-5255.

A bouquet left at the boat launch in Centennial Park. Next to them someone has carved “RIP Les.” Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

Wetselaar was well known in the community as one of Revelstoke’s higher profile homeless people. He was a tall, slim man with very thick glasses. He frequently panhandled around shops and cafes in the downtown core. He was often easygoing, but at times could be aggressive and threatening, causing him run ins with the law.

Revelstoke RCMP, Revelstoke Search & Rescue, Revelstoke Fire Rescue Services and BC Ambulance personnel have all participated in recovery efforts. The search included a RCMP helicopter, boat and extensive shore searches.

Police also thanked BC Hydro for reducing the flow from the Revelstoke Dam to allow searchers to cover more area downstream of the dam.

The search continued into its third day on Friday. After that, the search will be suspended until Tuesday, when an RCMP helicopter will return to the location to search again. Police are treating the incident as a drowning.