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Missing TRU student

Supports available for TRU community as search continues for missing international student in Kamloops

Jul 11, 2025 | 7:08 AM

KAMLOOPS — As efforts to find a missing Thompson Rivers University student – who is presumed to have drowned – continue, the president of the Kamloops-based institution has reached out to members of the university community.

In an email sent Thursday (July 10) evening, a copy of which was forwarded to CFJC Today, Dr. Airini said there are a number of supports available to staff and students who may have been affected by Sunday’s (July 6) incident.

“Over the past several days, members of the TRU community have followed with concern the reports of a student who went missing in the Thompson River,” the email from Airini said. “We know that this kind of uncertainty can be overwhelming. Not knowing is a heavy burden to carry.”

“At times like this, we are reminded of the importance of supporting one another in the long and difficult wait for clarity. Please know that support is available to you. Whether you are feeling sadness, frustration, confusion, or simply don’t know what to feel, it’s okay to reach out.”

Those supports are in the form of counselling either in-person or by phone or text, with more details listed below.

Not much is known about the missing student yet, except that he was from India and that he was part of a group of international students who were playing volleyball on the beach at Overlander Park.

According to the RCMP, he was swept away by the current after he went into the river to retrieve a ball.

“This student is part of our international community, and his absence is being deeply felt by many — both here and around the world,” the email from Airini added. “For those who are living far from home, these kinds of events can heighten feelings of vulnerability and distance.”

“I invite us to be especially caring towards one another in these moments. Compassion connects us across cultures, languages, and borders, reminding us of what it means to belong. We will continue to walk beside all who are feeling sadness.”

She went on to say the university will keep people informed as more information is released, and that “when the time comes to acknowledge what has happened more fully, we will do so together – with care, respect, and with each other.”

Supports for the TRU Community:

Students

  • TRU Counselling Services: Meet a counsellor at studentservices@tru.ca or call 250-828-5023
  • GuardMe is a TELUS Health app that provides real-time phone and chat support with a counsellor. Call 1-844-451-9700 for 24/7 mental health support.
  • Here2Talk.ca, or call 1-877-857-3397 for provincial 24/7 counselling services

International Students

Indigenous faculty, staff and students

Faculty and Staff

Services for faculty and staff are available through TELUS Health One, TRU’s employee assistance program (EAP) provider. It offers one-on-one counselling and crisis support, and can be reached by phone at 1-877-207-8833.