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First Responders, members of the public attend procession for NPD officer

Jan. 26, 2023, Nelson, B.C. – Hundreds of first responders, including members of the Nelson Police Department, lined the highway between Kelowna and Nelson for a procession to pay tribute to Const. Mathieu Nolet.

Const. Nolet, 28, died from injuries Saturday morning at Kelowna General Hospital after being caught in an avalanche January 9 while backcountry skiing near Goat Range Provincial Park, northwest of Kaslo.

Nolet’s fiancee, sister and parents were at his side at the time the NPD Constable succumbed to his injuries.

The procession carrying Const. Nolet started in Kelowna Tuesday before arriving in Nelson mid-afternoon.

Nelson Police officers were joined by local RCMP, Nelson Fire and Rescue Service and Regional District of Central Kootenay Fire members, BC Ambulance, Search and Rescue volunteers as well as members of the public lined the Highway 3A/6 entrance into Nelson, raising their hands as a sign of respect while police cars with flashing lights drove by.

Nolet, skiing at the time of the avalanche with Nelson Police Const. Wade Tittemore, suffered internal injuries and broken bones after being pushed into a tree.

Nolet was transported to Kootenay Lake Hospital by helicopter.

Tittemore, 43, died at the avalanche scene after being dug out from under two meters of snow by other skiers in the area.

Both skiers were experienced backcountry skiers, venturing on the trek with avalanche probes and beacons.

A GoFundMe-campaign for the families of the two officers had raised more than $83,000 on Tuesday.

In honour of the death of the Const. Nolet, flags in the Heritage City were lowered to half-mast.

The City of Nelson, Mayor & Council, the Nelson Police Department and the Nelson Police Board wish to thank everyone who has written to express their sympathies.

Condolences from the public for both of the Constable’s families can be sent to condolences@nelson.ca.

– The Nelson Daily