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Penticton  

S'land Fatality ID

Summerland RCMP have released the name of the body found over the weekend near Highway 97.

Ryan Clarke, a 19-year-old from Prince George, was found dead at the bottom of a cliff near Arkell Road and Highway 97 around 10 a.m. Saturday.

Constable Andre Turcotte says the incident appears to be accidental and foul play is not suspected.

“He was a seasonal worker who was in Summerland to pick cherries for a local orchard. It was the last day of the job and a group of the workers decided to hold a little party to celebrate,” says Turcotte.

He says alcohol is believed to have been present at the party, but at this point it’s unknown if Clarke was drinking.

“The toxicology results usually take about three months. At this point we have no reason to suspect foul play or suicide, we believe it was tragic accident,” says Turcotte.

He says the RCMP are speaking with Clarke’s fellow workers and counselors have been brought in to help them deal with the tragedy.


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