Sweatman inquest to be held next June in Nelson

TMTV Photo --- Search and Rescue workers carry the body of Sheilah Sweatman to the shores of the Goat River near Creston TMTV Video, click here

TMTVNEWS.COM --- An inquest has been scheduled into the death of the Nelson Search and Rescue member, Sheilah Sweatman. 

Sweatman was part of a recovery operation that was attempting to inspect a submerged vehicle in the Goat River near Creston with Nelson Search and Rescue's swift water unit when she died on June 29, 2011.

Coroner Mark Coleman and a jury will hear evidence from witnesses to determine the facts surrounding the death, the BC Coroners Service said in a statement.

While the jury is not allowed to blame anyone, it will have the chance to make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.

Sweatman, 29, was called to the bridge on Highway 21 south of Creston where a vehicle was reported submerged in the river. Police said in an attempt to attach a tow chain to the vehicle, Sweatman went overboard and did not re-surface.

Her colleagues recovered her body the next day, as well as the vehicle, a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, which belonged to Lana Chipesia, 23, of Creston, who was recently reported missing. Chipesia’s body was found further downstream following an aerial search.

Sweatman worked part-time at Nelson Animal Hospital.

Her death was also under investigation by RCMP and WorkSafeBC. The inquest will take place June 4 to 7, 2011 at the Nelson courthouse.