Skip to content

Clearwater couple killed in accident

Clearwater teachers Skye and Courtney Buck were killed on Dec. 9 when their vehicle plunged into the North Thompson River.

On Dec. 9 at approximately 6:59 p.m., members of the Southeast District RCMP Traffic Services and the Clearwater RCMP responded to a report of a single vehicle crash, located on Hwy 5, at ‘Wolf’s Corner’ approximately 17 km south of Clearwater.

Upon the arrival of the police at the scene, members ascertained that a northbound vehicle had lost control on snow packed and icy roads, causing it to leave the travel portion of the highway and go down a 30 meter embankment into the North Thompson River. There was a debris field and it appeared that a tree had been struck at one point. Some personal items were located at the scene by RCMP. Attempts were made to locate the vehicle, which was completely submerged under water.

Unfortunately, due to the time of night and dark lighting conditions, initial attempts to locate the vehicle were not successful. The investigation and search for the vehicle resumed at daybreak, the following day. Search and Rescue, RCMP Air Services, RCMP Dive Team, along with local RCMP members are continuing their search along the river. A Southeast District RCMP Collision Reconstructionist is assisting with the investigation.

The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team located the vehicle and driver, Skye Buck, the following day, but his wife Courtney Buck, is still missing stated Cst. Lesley Smith, North District Media Relations Officer Search efforts will continue throughout the day along the North Thompson River, however, the search process has been challenging due to winter weather conditions .

Their families have been notified and are being assisted by the RCMP Victim Services. The deceased are Skye Tavis Buck, who would have turned 31 the next day, and his wife, 30 year old Courtney Elizabeth Buck.

Both were local Clearwater school teachers, prominent and well known members of the Clearwater community. Grievance Counselors and Victim Services have been brought in to assist with staff and students with the Clearwater High School and Elementary Schools, where the BUCK’s were teachers.

This is a truly tragic and unfortunate incident that is being felt throughout the entire community of Clearwater.

The investigation continues into the cause of the incident and police believe that road conditions played a factor in this tragic event.

Submitted