THE City of Nelson and the Nelson Police Department on Tuesday said they were mourning the death of Wade Tittemore, 43. in an avalanche on January 9 at approximately 12 p.m.

A second officer, Mathieu Nolet, 28,  was seriously injured in the avalanche and is in a local area hospital.

The two officers were off duty, touring in the backcountry near Kaslo, BC, about 60 km north of Nelson. Nolet remains in critical condition in the ICU.

Tittemore had been with the Nelson Police Department for over four years. He was an avid backcountry enthusiast who loved skiing, hiking, and backpacking. He moved to Nelson from Calgary, where he had served with the Calgary Police Service for 11 years. Tittemore leaves behind a wife and two sons.

“Nelson is one of the smallest municipal police forces in Canada, and we are like one big family. The impact of the death of Constable Tittemore has a profound effect on the force and our community,” said Police Chief Donovan Fisher. “Our deepest condolences go out to his family.”

“Officers in a city the size of Nelson are part of the community and make connections with people, both on and off the job,” said Janice Morrison, Mayor and Chair of the Police Board. “A tragedy like this deeply affects us all.”

Supports are in place through the City of Nelson and the Nelson Police Department to assist their employees and their families during this tragic time.

The City of Nelson, the Mayor and Council and the Nelson Police Department said they appreciated the outpouring of condolences, support and assistance.

The public is invited to email their condolences for Tittemore’s family at condolences@nelson.ca.