The death of a 26-year-old man in Edgewood on Jan. 4 is not being considered suspicious by police at this time.
In the early morning hours of Jan. 4, Dustin Wheeler’s friend found him “in distress,” according to RCMP, and called 911. Despite the best efforts of bystanders and paramedic, Wheeler, from Vernon, B.C., passed away before Nakusp RCMP arrived on scene.
An autopsy will be done to determine the cause of death, and if the results are suspicious, the RCMP will investigate, said staff Sergeant Dan Seibel.
“Police always respond to attend sudden deaths unless they’re in hospitals,” said Seibel. Wheeler’s next of kin in Penticton have been notified.
While on-scene at the cabin in rural Edgewood where Wheeler was staying, RCMP noticed the familiar smell of marihuana and discovered a grow op. Two hundred and twenty-one mature plants were seized and the grow op dismantled.
It’s not an uncommon occurrence for police to find grow ops in the course of other work, said Seibel. No charges are being laid at this time, he said, but the investigation is ongoing.
Police are also looking for more information about Wheeler’s activities during the days leading up to his death. If anyone has any information, the Nakusp RCMP would like to hear from them and can be reached at the detachment (250-265-3677) or via Crimestoppers (1-800-222-8477).
