The body of a paddleboarder missing since September on Okanagan Lake has been recovered.
The Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team (HEART), based out of Manitoba, travelled to the Okanagan and began their search for the body on October 12. A statement posted online Friday says HEART discovered and recovered the body of Kyle Yrjola from a depth of over 400 feet.
“Our hearts remain heavy for his family and loved ones, who have suffered through days of painful uncertainty.” HEART said,
“We sincerely thank everyone who has supported this mission through prayers, encouragement, and financial contributions. Your kindness and generosity have helped make this recovery possible. We are especially grateful for the many people who stood alongside us in this difficult search.”
On the evening of September 22, 2026 RCMP were called to aid a man and woman on paddle boards in distress on Okanagan Lake somewhere between Fintry Provincial Park and Carr’s Landing.
The woman was rescued from the water by a Kelowna Fire Rescue boat while the man, Kyle Yrjola could not be located.
