Ryan Bjolverud dies after canoe capsizes on B.C. lake
Police say Calgary firefighter was not wearing a life jacket at the time
Calgary firefighter Ryan Bjolverud drowned on Sunday in B.C.'s Columbia Lake, according to police.
The 32-year-old was one of two men in a borrowed canoe that capsized early in the morning while on a fishing trip.
His body has not been recovered from the lake, which is north of Cranbrook.
"They were able to hang onto the canoe and attempted to swim back to shore with the canoe in tow, however the canoe became too heavy and one male eventually succumbed to exhaustion and drowned," said Cpl. Grant Simpson.
The other man swam to shore and call for help.
Simpson says neither was wearing a life jacket and alcohol was likely a factor in the accident.
'Very hard for all of us,' says fire chief
Bjolverud was in his third year with the Calgary Fire Department. His father is an assistant deputy fire chief in Calgary.
"Ryan was one of those exceptional people who loved serving the community in his job as a firefighter," said Fire Chief Steve Dongworth.
When pressed about the circumstances surrounding the drowning, Dongworth said it's a sombre reminder to stay safe when doing those kinds of activities.
"Of course that's troubling, but I will remind you that's not why we are here today."
Bjolverud's family are in his thoughts and prayers, he said.
"It's very hard for all of us, these things aren't easy in any circumstance, particularly when Ryan's father works very closely with myself and my team. We've had messages from other fire departments offering their condolences. This is one big family and as with any family when you lose a family member that's pretty hard."