An Indian international student tragically lost his life in northeastern British Columbia on Friday. The victim, Gurkirat Singh Manocha, 25, was involved in a deadly incident at the Charlie Lake boat ramp near Fort St. John around 11:10 p.m. PT on March 13, as confirmed by the RCMP.
Manocha, originally from Ujjain, central India, had relocated to Fort St. John to pursue a business management degree at a local college. The Akshat International School in Ujjain, where he was a former student, expressed condolences to his family during this challenging period.
Mohan Yadav, the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, where Ujjain is situated, has reached out to Manocha’s family to ensure the necessary arrangements for his final rites in India.
According to a police statement, the incident on Friday night involved a confrontation among multiple individuals, resulting in Manocha sustaining serious injuries. Despite efforts to save him, Manocha ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The North District Major Crimes Unit indicated that the investigation into the incident involves several individuals, with no additional details disclosed at this time. Northern Lights College acknowledged the tragic event and emphasized their commitment to supporting the campus community while cooperating with law enforcement.
B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Nina Krieger, described the death as a “tragic situation.” The authorities have not released further information regarding the ongoing investigation.