The Thompson Rivers University (TRU) student who's body was recovered near McArthur Island has been identified and a fundraiser has been set up to support his family.
Jatin Garg, 27, came to Kamloops in August 2024 to attend TRU as an international student.
"In less than a year, he touched countless lives with his smile, his energy, and his gentle heart," stated the GoFundMe page set up in his honour. "No one could have imagined that his journey would be cut so short."
On Sunday, July around 5:15 p.m., Garg went to retrieve a volleyball in the Thompson River near the Overlander Bridge when he was caught in the current. Witnesses reported seeing him pulled under by the river.
(VSAR) joined Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR) in the search on July 7, along with Hummingbird Drones.
VSAR assisted with its boat and sonar equipment alongside KSAR's nine members, which included three swift water technicians equipped with kayaks.
The RCMP dive team joined KSAR with recovery operations. Nine days later, Garg's body was found.
âOn Tues., July 15, the manâs body was retrieved from the river near MacArthur Island,â said Sgt. Chris Kienzle. âWe hope that his discovery can bring a small amount of closure for his family and friends.â
The GoFundMe set up by Anant Kaul has a goal to raise $30,000 to support funeral arrangements and send his body back to his family in India. As of Friday morning at 8:45 a.m., $25,878 has been raised.
- with files from Gary Barnes
