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Missing man found dead in Kootenay National Park river

Parks Canada officials say they were contacted by Columbia Valley RCMP on Monday to assist with the search for an individual who had been reported missing the evening before.
Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park. RMO FILE PHOTO

A 55-year-old man reported missing in Kootenay National Park was found dead on a gravel bar in a river on Monday (Oct. 21)

Police say the man wandered away from his RV the night before and the alarm was raised. Darkness suspended the search Sunday evening, but resumed at first light Monday with a search and rescue dog and helicopter.

“Sadly, in the early afternoon the male was located deceased in the Vermillion River,” said Sgt. Ed deJong of Columbia Valley RCMP.

Parks Canada was contacted by Columbia Valley RCMP to assist with the search.

James Eastham, public relations and communications officer for Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay field unit, said Parks Canada’s rescue team searched by helicopter and found the individual on a gravel bar in the river.

“Upon investigation, the person was discovered to be deceased,” Eastham said.

“Parks Canada would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this tragic incident.”

RCMP have not released the man’s name.

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