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NEWS RELEASE
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For Immediate Release Aug. 16, 2012 |
Ministry of Justice
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BC Coroners Service confirms second death in plane crash
KELOWNA – The BC Coroners Service has confirmed that a second person has died following the crash of a small plane near Brenda Mines on Aug. 13, 2012.
She is Lauren Patricia Sewell, aged 24, of Surrey.
Ms. Sewell was a passenger aboard a Piper Comanche plane that went down about 30 kilometres west of Kelowna on the afternoon of Aug. 13. She was airlifted to hospital in Kelowna, but was found to have suffered injuries in the crash that were not survivable. With the consent and support of her family, Ms. Sewell became an organ donor.
“The BC Coroners Service commends the family for the generosity of their decision in a time of immense grief,” said chief coroner Lisa Lapointe. “Despite the tragedy of their daughter’s death, they were able through organ donation to provide hope to as many as six other individuals and families. Though Ms. Sewell’s life has ended tragically and too soon, she has given an amazing gift to others.”
Two other persons aboard the plane when it crashed remain in hospital with serious injuries. Jayson Dallas Wesley Smith, aged 30, of Vancouver, died at the scene.
The BC Coroners Service and the Transportation Safety Board continue to investigate this incident.
For further information, please contact:
Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect
