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Body of Williams Lake man recovered near Bella Bella

The family of Jeff Alexander was informed his body was found Thursday, Aug. 29
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The family of a man drowned near Bella Bella on Aug. 23 learned Thursday his body was found by an underwater recovery team.

Jeff Alexander of Williams Lake had been missing after his fishing charter boat took on water and capsized near Humchitt Island. His five passengers swam to safety.

Read more: ‘Jeff was doing what he loved’: Williams Lake man presumed drowned in Bella Bella boat accident

Nyree Alexander said Tuesday the family is relieved and grateful they have closure to the tragedy.

“Now begins the long journey of moving through life without him,” she said. “We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community. We know we aren’t alone in our grief. Jeff truly was a remarkable man who will be desperately missed.”

Jeff worked as a forester for Tolko Industries Ltd. in Williams Lake and was a hockey coach for many years with Williams Lake Minor Hockey Association and with Williams Lake Youth Soccer Association.

He had been doing fish charters for a couple of years, Nyree said.

He and Nyree have three grown children — Haley, Mackenna and Ethan — and a grandson, Leland.

A celebration of life is planned for Jeff on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Cariboo Bethel Church at 2 p.m.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada plans to try and recover the boat, confirmed Chris Krepski, media relations specialist.



news@wltribune.com

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Jeff Alexander (left) gives a tour during the Woodlot Associations AGM held in Williams Lake last fall. Monica Lamb-Yorski photo


Monica Lamb-Yorski

About the Author: Monica Lamb-Yorski

A B.C. gal, I was born in Alert Bay, raised in Nelson, graduated from the University of Winnipeg, and wrote my first-ever article for the Prince Rupert Daily News.
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