Dr. Michael Mthandazo and his family (Image credit: GoFundMe)

By Pete McIntyre-Vernon Matters

FAMILY DOCTOR

Fund helps family of Vernon doctor missing in Thompson River

Aug 8, 2022 | 11:01 AM

VERNON — A GoFundMe is underway to help the family of a Vernon doctor who is missing and presumed drowned in the Thompson River in Kamloops.

The website said Dr. Michael Mthandazo was in Kamloops July 30 for a recreational soccer tournament.

“He then went for a swim with his son, but the water current started to speed up and although he was able to help his son out of the water, he wasn’t able to get out himself. He was unfortunately swept away, and his body has yet to be recovered,” said fund organizer Noha Fossen.

The GoFundMe said Mthandazo was the sole income earner for his wife and two sons, aged 11 and eight months.

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“This is such a tragedy and with Julia’s blessings, we have started a GoFundMe page in hopes to alleviate some of the financial burden ahead,” said Fossen.

As of 10 a.m. today (Aug. 8), close to $7,000 had been raised on a goal of $10,000.

Click here to see the GoFundMe.

Vernon Matters has reached out several times to Kamloops RCMP media relations for an update on the search for Mthandazo but have not heard back.

Mthandazo was a family doctor who worked at Mainstreet Medical on 30th Avenue after moving to Vernon in January 2021.