Nelson police and the City of Nelson are mourning the death of Const. Mathieu Nolet, 28, who was injured in an avalanche near Kaslo, BC, in southeastern British Columbia on January 9. .“It is hard to fully express the sadness we are feeling here,” said Nelson Police Chief Donovan Fisher in a Saturday Facebook post. .“The memorial for Constable (Wade) Tittemore was this past week, and now we’ve lost a second officer and friend.”.Nelson police said on January 10 the officer who died in the avalanche was Tittemore, 43. .READ MORE: UPDATED: Nelson police identify officer killed, injured in avalanche."The impact of the death of Const. Tittemore has a profound effect on the force and our community," said Fisher. .The officer who was seriously injured and put in a local hospital was Nolet. He remained in critical condition in the ICU. .The post said the officers were swept down a mountain in an avalanche while backcountry skiing. It said Tittemore died of his injuries on scene. .Nolet was located and dug from the avalanche by four people who witnessed it. He suffered severe internal injuries and died in hospital in Kelowna, BC. .Nolet worked for Nelson police for a little more than one year after serving for one year with Calgary police. He chose Nelson as his home because of his love for the backcountry and dedication to community policing..“We have one of the smallest municipal police forces in the country,” said Nelson Mayor Janice Morrison. .“This tragedy has hit us hard; our deepest condolences go out to Const. Nolet’s family.”.The post said the City of Nelson, Nelson police, and the Nelson Police Board thank every one who has written to express their sympathies. It said condolences from the public for Nolet and Tittemore’s families can be sent to condolences@nelson.ca..Nelson police thanked RCMP for providing support during this time..“It is devastating,” said Fisher. .A GoFundMe page set up by the Nelson Police Association (NPA) raised $34,280 as of January 12 for Nolet and Tittemore. .READ MORE: Crowdfunding page for BC police officers affected by avalanche raises more than $34,000.“The love of the backcountry and outdoors brought both Mat and Wade together as friends and was also a main reason for them to choose Nelson as their home,” said the NPA. .The crowdfunding page has a $100,000 goal. There have been 232 people who have donated.
