Efforts continue to locate Red Deer man lost on BC river

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

Just after 3 p.m. on July 12, 2024, frontline Kamloops RCMP officers were called to an area of the North Thompson River near the Tournament Capital Ranch 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. 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, causing Stan and his friend to jump in to rescue them.

“Stan’s friend and the youths were able to get to the shore however Stan was swept away. He was last seen rounding the bend of the river,” said S/Sgt. Janelle Shoihet of the Kamloops RCMP.

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, however Stan was not located.

“Efforts will continue throughout the day today with the RCMP contingent being bolstered by Kamloops Search and Rescue,” said S/Sgt.

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

RCMP 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 Stan and to report any information to the Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000, citing file 2024-22138.

Everyone is urged to use extreme caution when in and around the water and ensure children and adults are wearing properly fitted personal floatation devices.