Brendan Burge has been identified as the man who took a fatal fall from a fifth floor balcony of a Kelowna condo on St. Patrick’s Day.
Burge, a 24-year old originally from Salmon Arm, was a father as well as a former junior hockey player who played both in B.C. and abroad.
He spent two and a quarter seasons with the Revelstoke Grizzlies and was part of the 2009-10 team that won the Keystone Cup. He was a fast and skilled player who recorded 94 points in 93 games with the Grizzlies.
He was dealt to Fernie partway through the 2011-12 season and finished his junior career with the Columbia Valley Rockies before going to play a season of professional hockey in Germany.
As news of his death circulated through the social media sites tributes from friends and teammates highlighting his time on and off the ice poured in.
“Condolences to the Burge family on behalf of the Grizzlies organization. You will be missed Brendan. RIP,” tweeted the Revelstoke Grizzlies.
Others commented on his kindness, sense of humour and he was mentioned for being a good father.
Kelowna RCMP have said there does not appear to be anything suspicious about his death on March 17 at 10:12 p.m..
Investigators confirmed that a lone male fell from a balcony onto the building’s protruding second floor balcony.
“Investigators interviewed several witnesses at the scene,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, in a statement. “At this time, police do not believe that foul play is involved in the man’s death. As such the investigation has now been turned over to the BC Coroners Service.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.
Further information is set to be released by the BC Coroners Service.
