February 21, 2013
Drowning
Newfoundland and Labrador Fish and Wildlife
On February 21, 2013, Newfoundland and Labrador Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officer Howard Lavers died in the ‘Line of Duty’ in Eastern Blue Pond, near Blue Mountain, Newfoundland.
Officer Lavers, a 30 year veteran of the Wildlife Conservation Division, was patrolling on his snowmobile, along with two other wildlife conservation officers, on Newfoundland’s Northern Peninsula at Hawke’s Bay. As the three officers were driving across Eastern Blue Pond, the ice gave way and they fell through the ice. Two of the officers made it to shore, but Lavers didn’t. The other officers attempted to save Officer Lavers but were unable to pull him from the water. An RCMP dive team recovered Officer Lavers’ body the following day.
Officer Howard Lavers is survived by his children and grandchildren. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.