The North Thompson River off Schubert Drive, May 17. (Image Credit: CFJC Today/File photo)

By Aaron Schulze

Presumed Drowning Update

Vehicle recovered, victim still missing following North Thompson River drowning

Oct 1, 2026 | 10:42 AM

KAMLOOPS — Police in Kamloops say a vehicle that plunged into the North Thompson River back in May has been recovered, but the driver remains unaccounted for.

Details remain limited, but there was a significant police presence, along with a dive team and a tow truck, that were reportedly seen at Schubert Drive and Spruce Avenue on Wednesday (Sept. 30).

“If we go back to May, a vehicle went into the North Thompson River. At that time, the driver was observed by witnesses as seen to be carried away by the river,” Kamloops RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Dana Napier told CFJC Today.

“Yesterday, the vehicle was recovered and pulled out from the river. Sadly, one person is still missing regarding this incident.”

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Benina Jepkoech, 24, is presumed to have drowned, though a 21-year-old woman who was also in the vehicle was rescued by three bystanders who had jumped into the river. One of those bystanders, Chaz Peterhans, told CFJC Today that a red sedan narrowly missed a bench before it plunged into the river.

Napier said people along the river should continue to keep a look out and report any potential sightings of Jepkoech to Kamloops RCMP.

“The investigation continues,” Napier said. “We are still hoping to find the driver from this incident and then we will examine the vehicle to see if there is any evidence that we can glean from that.”

by Aaron Schulze

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Vehicle recovered, victim still missing following North Thompson River drowning

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