Prince Rupert, BC – RCMP in Prince Rupert are releasing more information regarding the death of a 21-year-old man whose body was found along the shoreline in that community early last month.

North District RCMP’s Media Relations Officer, Constable Lesley Smith, says a coroner has determined Justin Brooks died from drowning.  His body was discovered in Prince Rupert’s Rotary Waterfront Park on March 4th.  While a final toxicology report is not yet complete, Smith says the Regional Coroners Service and a forensic pathologist have determined that the young man did not have any serious injuries that would have contributed to his death.

"Police are still trying to determine the true facts of the case from rumours that have been circulating through social media," says the media spokesperson.  "False information or speculation can hinder an investigation and; therefore,  concrete evidence and fact-based information is essential for police to determine whether Justin Brooks met with foul play or if this was simply a tragic accident."

Smith says RCMP investigators and Prince Rupert Victim Services continue to work closely with the victim’s family and friends.  She says the investigation is a priority for Prince Rupert RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit, the RCMP Forensic Identification Unit, and General Duty members.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Prince Rupert Detachment at 250-627-0700 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.