One Clearwater resident was found deceased and another is still missing but presumed dead following a single vehicle accident on Sunday evening.
According to Clearwater RCMP, a vehicle being driven northbound by Skye and Courtney Buck went out of control and off Highway 5 at Wolf's Corner approximately 17 km south of Clearwater.
The vehicle went down a 30 m embankment and into the North Thompson River.Unfortunately, due to the time of night and dark lighting conditions, initial attempts to locate the vehicle were not successful.
The investigation and search for the vehicle resumed at daybreak, the following day. Search and Rescue, RCMP Air Services, RCMP Dive Team, along with local RCMP members are continuing their search along the river. A Southeast District RCMP collision reconstructionist is assisting with the investigation.
At about 5 p.m. on Monday the searchers were able to recover the vehicle from the river. The body of one of the missing, Skye Buck, was recovered.
The search continued on Tuesday but, as of press-time, Courtney Buck had not been located.
“This is a truly tragic and unfortunate incident that is being felt throughout the entire community of Clearwater,” said Cst. Bart Doerr, Central Interior Traffic Services.
The investigation continues into the cause of the incident and police believe that road conditions played a factor in this tragic event.
Both Skye and Courtney Buck grew up in Clearwater. The couple were beginning their teaching careers and were prominent and well-liked members of the community.