How Did a 17-Year-Old Girl Die in a Single-Car Crash Into the Similkameen River in Keremeos?

What happened

A single-car crash late on Tuesday night, 6 October 2026, turned fatal in Keremeos, British Columbia. At around 11:30 p.m., police were called to the area of River Road and Bridge Street after a car drove off the street and into the Similkameen River.

Rescue effort and casualties

• Search and Rescue assisted emergency responders in rescuing all the passengers from the car.
• Everyone in the vehicle was injured and transported to hospital for treatment.
• A 17-year-old girl from Cawston died in hospital.

Investigation continues

• The Keremeos RCMP say the investigation is still in its early stages and alcohol is suspected to be a factor.
• A criminal investigation is ongoing.
• Police are asking anyone who witnessed the events leading up to the crash, or who has relevant dashcam or video footage, to contact them.

"Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding this incident and are asking anyone who may have witnessed the events leading up to it, or who has relevant video footage, to contact police," said S/Sgt. Dan Pollock of the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen RCMP.

*This is a developing story compiled from verified reporting; figures may change as official information is released.*