The body of a kayaker that went missing in difficult conditions this week has been found in the Cheakamus River, police have confirmed.
In a release, Whistler RCMP said the man was located at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24 several kilometres where he was last seen on Sunday evening. Police said the man’s recovery was “extremely challenging” due to his location and the condition of the river at the time. “Whistler RCMP are very appreciative of all of the friends and kayaking community, RCMP Air Services, Whistler SAR, Whistler Fire Service and off duties members of the SAR communities who assisted in the safe recovery of this individual.”
It was first reported the man had overturned in his kayak at about 6:15 p,m. on June 21 in the area of House Rock, close to MacLaurin’s Crossing suspension bridge, while out with friends. Whistler RCMP, Whistler Search and Rescue, the Whistler Fire Rescue Service’s swift-water team and friends of the kayaker all assisted in the search. Police also used an RCMP helicopter in the efforts.
At the time the man went missing, Mounties said the river was running “very high and fast,” which made searching efforts difficult and “extremely dangerous” for those involved.
