Remains identified as man swept away while helping rescue youth in 2024

Kamloops RCMP say human remains found this month have been identified as Stan Cappis, the 50-year-old Red Deer father swept away in the North Thompson River two years ago.

Police say Cappis was at the river with a friend on July 12, 2024, when two youth stepped from a sandbar into fast-moving water. The two men entered the river to help. The friend and both youth reached shore safely, but Cappis was carried away and was last seen rounding a bend in the river.

Police dogs, firefighters and civilians searched the water and nearby banks at the time, but Cappis was not found.

RCMP said Thursday that remains were positively identified as Cappis on July 16. Cpl. Dana Napier said police released his name after consulting with family because of the community’s continued efforts to find him, and offered condolences to his loved ones.