Nelson RCMP's response to a reported missing man who was later found dead in a car accident is being investigated by a provincial oversight body.

The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO), a civilian-led organization that investigates any death or serious harm involving the actions or in-actions of a police officer, announced Wednesday it had opened an investigating into the Jan. 18 incident.

Police previously reported a after his car left Highway 3A and went over a rock embankment near Nelson around midnight. 

The IIO said the man was found dead the next morning, and is investigating the RCMP's actions after the victim's family raised concerns about the detachment's response to the missing persons report as well as the search for the car.

The death occurred just outside city limits, which is under the RCMP's jurisdiction. The Nelson Police Department is limited to calls for service within Nelson's boundaries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IIO at 1-855-446-8477 or by the contact form at .