Kenyan immigrant presumed drowned in B.C. river identified
Benina Jepkoech, 24, who arrived in Canada last year with limited driving experience, was identified after her car entered the North Thompson River.
Benina Jepkoech, a 24-year-old Kenyan immigrant who arrived in British Columbia last year, has been identified as the woman presumed drowned in the North Thompson River near Kamloops after her vehicle entered the water.
Jepkoech's car went into the river last Sunday. A friend who identified her said she had little experience driving in Canada and likely panicked when her vehicle began to enter the water, contributing to the tragedy.
The incident underscores vulnerabilities faced by recent immigrants adjusting to life and road conditions in Canada. Jepkoech had been in B.C. for roughly a year before the fatal accident. Authorities have not recovered her body but presume her drowned based on the circumstances and search efforts.
The case has drawn attention from immigration advocates concerned about gaps in settlement support and driver training for newcomers from countries with different road systems and driving cultures. Kamloops RCMP said their investigation is ongoing.