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Man who helped saved youths in North Thompson River swept away, remains missing

Jul 13, 2024 | 12:23 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops RCMP Detachment is continuing efforts to locate a man who was swept away in the North Thompson River on Friday (July 12) afternoon.

Police were called to an area of the North Thompson River near the Tournament Capital Ranch at about 3 p.m. on Friday for a report that a man had been caught in the river.

Stan Cappis, 50, of Red Deer and a friend had been at the river with several youths, according to a Kamloops RCMP press release.

Two of the youths stepped off the sandbar into the fast-moving portion of the North Thompson and were starting to get carried down river.

The release notes Cappis and his friend jumped in to rescue them.

Cappis’ friend and the youths were able to return to shore, but Cappis was swept away.

“He was last seen rounding the bend of the river,” Kamloops RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet said in the press release.

Kamloops RCMP officers, with assistance from the RCMP Police Dog Services, Air Services and the Forensic Identification Section, as well Kamloops Fire and Rescue and numerous civilians, immediately began searching the water and surrounding banks.

“Efforts will continue throughout the day today (Saturday, July 13) with the RCMP contingent being bolstered by Kamloops Search and Rescue,” Shoihet said in the release.

Cappis, 50, is described as Caucasian with an athletic build and dark hair. He was last seen wearing shorts and sunglasses.

Police are asking anyone who lives in and around the area of the North Thompson, south of the Tournament Capital Ranch, to keep their eyes open for Cappis and report any information to the Kamloops RCMP, citing file 2024-22138.

The release notes the importance of using extreme caution when in and around the river, which is fast-moving and dangerous.

On Friday, CFJC Today reported on a separate river rescue incident on the Thompson River.