Behchoko man dead after boat capsizes
Body of Gilbert Nitsiza recovered from Marian Lake
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The chief coroner of the NWT has identified a man who apparently drowned in Marian Lake near Behchoko on Sept. 4 or 5.
Cathy Menard said the body of 52-year-old Gilbert Nitsiza of Behchoko has been sent to Edmonton for autopsy, but added all signs point to drowning as the likely cause of death.
She said there is nothing suspicious about the death.
RCMP stated in a news release officers were called to the area on Sept. 5 about a capsized boat and what was believed to be a body floating in the lake.
The Mounties, along with emergency personnel and search and rescue members, attended the scene by and recovered the body. Police are assisting the coroner in the investigation.
Behchoko chief Clifford Daniels said he understands Nitsiza was travelling from Whati on Sept. 4 when the boat flipped in high winds, throwing him into the water. He added the body wasn't discovered by passing boaters until the next day.
Daniels described Nitsiza, who was originally from Whati, as a jack-of-all-trades and loving father to several children.
He had friends and family in Behchoko, Whati and across the NWT, according to the chief.
He added folks travelling by boat should always tell someone of their travel plans ahead of time.
Daniels said when out on the lake in high winds, it's always a good idea to pull up on shore until the winds die down.
No funeral arrangements had been announced by press time.
