A 24-year-old woman, identified as Benina Jepkoech by a friend, is believed to have drowned in a river in Kamloops, B.C., after her car entered the water last Sunday. Originally from Kenya, Jepkoech had only moved to B.C. last year, as revealed by her friend Jacinta Mugo.
Mugo, who was present with Jepkoech just before the incident, indicated that the tragic event may have occurred due to Jepkoech’s limited experience driving in Canada. Jepkoech is being honored at a memorial service in Kamloops, as friends nationwide express shock over the incident.
Described as humble, respectful, and friendly, Jepkoech’s absence has left those who knew her in a state of uncertainty. Mugo shared that Jepkoech had visited her shortly before the car entered the North Thompson River at Schubert Drive.
The driver of the vehicle, who is presumed to have drowned, was accompanied by a 21-year-old passenger who was rescued from the river by bystanders. Mugo mentioned that the 21-year-old had come along with Jepkoech to borrow a blow dryer, and on their way back, Jepkoech took the wheel despite her lack of driving experience in Canada.
Mugo explained that in Kenya, drivers drive on the left side of the road, unlike in Canada where they drive on the right. She speculated that Jepkoech panicked upon seeing an approaching vehicle on Schubert Drive, leading to the tragic accident.
Jepkoech, who worked at a hotel in downtown Kamloops and also at a local restaurant, had reconnected with Mugo after meeting years ago while volunteering for the Red Cross in Kenya. Despite losing touch, they remained friends after their chance reunion at the airport last year.
Efforts to locate the submerged vehicle have been hampered by the swollen river caused by spring snowmelt. Jeremy Markel, a search manager at Kamloops Search and Rescue, confirmed that the search operation has been put on hold until river conditions improve, with no specific timeline for when it will resume.
The family of Jepkoech has been informed of the situation, and Mugo remains hopeful for a resolution, emphasizing the importance of finding her friend regardless of the outcome.