An American citizen drowned in the Moyie River near the Kingsgate border crossing after attempting to flee from police on Monday, according to RCMP spokesperson Dan Moskaluk.
Creston RCMP were tipped off to the man entering Canada illegally by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and intercepted him at the location provided.
The man evaded the officers, who followed in pursuit and entered the river, apparently attempting to swim across to avoid being detained.
An officer entered the water and attempted to reach him, but was forced to turn back due to the cold water temperature and water level.
The man was seen floating towards the United States side of the border, where he was pulled from the water by US authorities.
According to a press release issued by the Boundary County Sheriff’s office in Idaho, the man was unresponsive when removed from the water by U.S. border officials.
Life-saving measures were attempted at the scene, but efforts were unsuccessful.
His name and identifying information is being withheld until next of kin can be notified.