A diver who went missing on Saturday near the William R. Bennett bridge in Kelowna has been identified as a 53-year-old Kamloops Fire Captain.
Brian Lannon was scuba diving in Kelowna in Okanagan Lake with some friends on Saturday. His wife of 20 years, Jennifer Cook, was also there with the group, a statement from the family released by the City of Kamloops said.
“They had done one dive already and came back out, got some new air bottles on, and went back under but somehow they became separated,” Jamie Chase, with Kamloops Fire and Rescue said. “There were four of them altogether and three of them managed to get back together and said, ‘where’s Brian?’ They weren’t able to locate him.”
When he did not resurface around 2:50 p.m., his friends called 911 and began searching the water with the help of some local boaters.
An RCMP statement released yesterday noted the search for Lannon had turned into a recovery effort.
“For the safety of our divers and the entire search team, we request that boaters remain away from the area while we complete our search,” Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy said. “At this time, searchers are unable to estimate how long this operation will be on-going.”
Chase, currently the Fire and Life Safety Educator at Kamloops Fire and Rescue, tells NL News he was a member of Lannon’s crew in the past. He notes the entire fire department is in shock today.
“We just want to find him so [we can have] closure for everyone and maybe that will give some clues as to what happened but we’re all just trying to wrap our heads around the idea that he’s gone,” he added.
Brian Lannon was a 27-year-veteran with the fire department having joined in 1994. The BC Coroners Service has been notified though Noseworthy says investigators do not believe there is any criminality involved.
Chase says he was a much-loved husband, son, brother, and uncle as well as a friend to many who was known for his dedication and professionalism.
“He could come across as being very serious but he was such a kind person. He was a total professional,” he said. “You know he demanded as much out of his crew but once he had your trust, he would do absolutely anything for you. He was a truly kind, caring, generous person.”
In a statement, the Kamloops Professional Firefighters’ Association, IAFF Local 913, said words cannot describe the heartbreak as the team comes to terms with the tragic loss of Capt. Brian Lannon.
“We, as well as the community lost one of our own, which will take some time to fully grasp. Brian was a good man with a big heart, who cared deeply for his friends, family, and crew. We’re a close knit group who share a special bond, and Brian’s presence will surely be missed around the halls,” they said in a series of tweets.
“Brian would be proud to see how everyone came together in the most challenging of times, and your overwhelming support has helped Brian’s family and ours get through a very tough few days. Rest easy Brian. You will be missed.”
The Lannon family has asked for privacy during this time as they mourn the loss of Brian.
“[We are] very grateful for the efforts of the Kelowna RCMP and the RCMP’s dive team, Kelowna Fire Rescue and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue,” the family added in their statement.
“They also wish to thank Kamloops Fire Rescue for the overwhelming support they have provided.”
At this afternoon’s council meeting, Mayor Ken Christian noted he was saddened by the incident.
“Our hearts are with the family [of Capt. Lannon] and the whole family at KFR as they go through this difficult period of time.”
#BREAKING – Brian Lannon, a 53 year old @KamFire Captain, is believed to have drowned in a diving accident in Okanagan Lake this past weekend. #Kamloops
The @cityofkamloops just issued this statement. @RadioNLNews pic.twitter.com/xnWhCDpO1v
— Victor Mario Kaisar (@supermario_47) May 18, 2021
Words cannot begin to describe the heartbreak our local is coming to terms with as the tragic loss of Capt. Brian Lannon is confirmed. We, as well as the community lost one of our own, which will take some time to fully grasp. Brian was a good man with a big heart, who cared 1/3 pic.twitter.com/IUlsUydFGO
— KamloopsFirefighters (@iaff913) May 18, 2021
KFR, together with family and friends, is mourning the loss of our brother, Captain Brian Lannon.
On Saturday, May 15th, Brian was in Kelowna on his off-duty time, recreationally SCUBA diving with friends near the W.R. Bennett bridge… 1/4 pic.twitter.com/BnwtFhKMTp— Kamloops Fire Rescue (@KamFire) May 18, 2021
