Investigators are still trying to determine the events leading to the death of a local man whose vehicle plunged into a lake near Penticton.
Thomas Viji Santosham, 74, died Oct. 31 when his SUV left the road around 6:30 a.m. and rolled into Farleigh Lake, according to a press release issued this week by the B.C. Coroners Service.
“Shortly after 8 a.m., a neighbour spotted the vehicle in the water and called 911. Mr. Santosham was recovered, deceased, from the lake by the RCMP Dive Team later in the day,” the release said.
His family has requested privacy, according to the statement, which also noted coroners and police are still investigating.
Santosham lived on an acreage at Farleigh Lake, about 12 kilometres west of the city off of Green Mountain Road, according to an obituary posted online.
Born in India, he later earned a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of B.C. and travelled widely before retiring from his job with the B.C. government. He then began a new career as a part-time instructor of global marketing at Okanagan College.
He left behind a wife, two children and four grandchildren.
Besides singing with the Tune-Agers Choir and Orchestra, Santosham was also an active member of the St. Saviour’s Anglican Church and the Order of St. Luke’s.
A service to celebrate Santosham’s life is scheduled to be held at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m.
Donations in lieu of flowers are requested to go to The Tom Santosham Memorial Award via at the Okanagan College Foundation.