TUESDAY AUGUST 13, 2013
Black Press C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
M E D I A
www.pqbnews.com
30,422
Copies per week Verified Circulation
FUN AT THE COOMBS FAIR
ONE MILE IN THE CHUCK
Agricultural extravaganza a big draw for young and old alike
Ocean Mile Swim event one of the more venerable events in the area
August
A29
A5
Tragedy at the falls
Se e inside for14deth tails
house of idea
s
Allison Prinsen
Job info: New spaper Sticky Note ad Project: Pira te Pak Day Pre Promo B Client: White Spot Trim size: 2” x 2” Colours: CM YK Proof #: 1 Date: July 22, 2013 Sign-off: YES
: allison@mee
hanlewis.com
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
| 604-733-151 4
Teenager dies in swimming accident at Little Qualicum Falls Regional Park NEIL HORNER news@pqbnews.com
Members of the Parksville Qualicum Beach community are mourning the loss of 17-year-old Lukas Whibley, who died Friday afternoon after a tragic accident at the Little Qualicum Falls Regional Park. The teen and his friends were said to have been jumping off rocks at the upper falls into a pool in the river at around 2 p.m. The teens became stuck and Whibley reportedly started climbing a steep rock face, when he fell and hit the rocks below and was carried into a waterfall. Shortly after, Oceanside RCMP, Arrowsmith Search and Rescue, and BC Ambulance Service Paramedics arrived at the scene. Search and Rescue spokesperson Ken Neden said his team arrived to find three teenagers clinging to a ledge. “They were just above the upper falls,” Neden said. “They couldn’t get out but they were safe where they were and in no imminent danger.” See TRAGEDY, page A7
Community in shock Victim a well-loved student and athlete BRENDA GOUGH NEWS Contributor
There is an abundance of grief and shock in Errington, Parksville, Qualicum Beach and the surrounding area after the tragic accident August 9 that claimed 17-year-old Lukas Whibley. An entire community is mourning and hearts are heavy for those who knew the popular teen, who graduated this year from Ballenas Senior Secondary School in Parksville. Whibley was not only a stellar athlete and student, he was also a great friend and teammate and his death has affected many in a tight-knit community. Jeremy Conn, head coach of the Ballenas Whalers Football team says this is the hardest thing he has ever had to deal with in his 20 years of coaching. See COMMUNITY, page A7
NEIL HORNER PHOTO
The waters at Little Qualicum Falls Regional Park may be cool and refreshing, but they have claimed more than one life over the years.
NOW HERE!
ORDER, BEAUTY, FUNCTION, & STYLE
oPen 7 DaYS a WeeK Locally Owned for 30 Years, Proudly Canadian! We Deliver • Mon-fri 8-6, Sat 9-5:30, Sun 10-5
720 MeMorial ave. QualicuM beach 250-752-3011
BAggALLINI BAgS “Get the freedom that comes from knowing everything is in its place.” see us at the thursday summer market!