A search conducted by Oceanside RCMP members is under review from the Independent Investigations Office of B.C., after a man was found deceased in an area south of Parksville. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

under review

IIO investigating potential search error after man’s death south of Parksville

Mar 27, 2024 | 10:41 AM

PARKSVILLE — The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is reviewing the circumstances around the discovery of a body near Little Mountain, south of the city.

A report from the agency states Oceanside RCMP officers were alerted by a witness to a body lying on the ground away from a marked trail on Sunday, March 24 at around 12:05 p.m.

The witness reportedly told police the body, a man, was lying in brush, however when police arrived no body was discovered.

The same witness then returned to the area the following day while out walking, and again reported the body in the same location at 11:12 a.m. on Monday, March 25.

Police, along with B.C. Emergency Health Services attended and pronounced the man dead.

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The IIO was alerted to the situation on Tuesday and an investigation was launched into the nature and scope of the search made by officers after the original call for service.

“Initial investigative steps will seek to confirm the details surrounding the initial police search, what caused the man’s death and whether police action or inaction were contributing factors,” a statement from the IIO read.

It’s unclear why the witness did not remain on the scene and wait for police to arrive, nor what communication took place between officers and the witness.

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