British Columbia

Zachary Gaudette's family still searching for answers after his death in Kelowna

The family of an Ontario man who died after an altercation in Kelowna, B.C., nearly two months ago is anxious for answers about his death.

RCMP say they're waiting for autopsy results and are working closely with the Crown prosecutor

Zachary Gaudette died after what police have called an "altercation" in front of a restaurant in Kelowna in February.

The family of an Ontario man who died after an altercation in Kelowna, B.C., nearly two months ago is anxious for answers about his death.

Zachary Gaudette was found in medical distress outside a restaurant and later died in hospital on Feb. 19. He had moved to the city just four days before the incident. 

"He was very close to me," said Kimberly Gaudette, Zachary's sister. "He was like a son to me. Him and I were very close."

Details of what happened to the 30-year-old are scarce, but an RCMP statement from February says Zachary was involved in an altercation with a 25-year-old suspect outside a Cactus Club restaurant. 

Kimberly Gaudette says investigators have told her family there is video surveillance of the incident, and that the other man involved in the altercation has come forward.

Two months later, she's still waiting for answers.

"It's absolutely terrible, we want to have closure. It's not that it's going to bring him back."

In a written statement, Kelowna RCMP said they're in consultation with the Crown prosecutor's office and are waiting for the results from Gaudette's autopsy. 

"Once all the evidence has been presented, Crown Counsel will be in a position to be able to make an informed decision with respect to their consideration for charge approval," said Const. Jesse O'Donaghey. 

He says RCMP continue to "work closely with the victim's family during this most difficult time."

With files from Brady Strachan