Members of Whistler RCMP and Search and Rescue have found the body of David Christian after a three-day search.
Shoes were found by a member of the public on the Fairmont Chateau Golf Course on the evening of March 20 who promptly contacted police. The RCMP, aided by a dog unit and Search and Rescue members, followed tracks to a cross-country ski trail. The tracks disappeared but were found again on a golf course green, which lead to Horstman Creek. The body found Wednesday afternoon in two to six inches of water.
The forensic identification section and a police dog and handler team attended, and in the later afternoon Christian's body was removed with assistance from Whistler Fire Rescue Service.
Meanwhile Christian’s family was en route from Ireland to help with the search. The RCMP could not alert the media until Thursday, after they provided notification to Christian’s next of kin.
It's unknown how Christian ended up in the creek. The Irish national, who was working for Whistler Blackcomb in Guest Relations, was drinking with friends on St. Patrick's Day but left the bar around 11 p.m. He was last heard from when he sent a text message to a friend after 2 a.m. on March 18, and was reported missing after missing work on Monday, March 19.
No cause of death has been identified, but some of the evidence on scene suggests that the 27-year-old may have succumbed to hypothermia. Foul play is not suspected.
Police are continuing to investigate.
"This is not the outcome we'd hoped for," said RCMP Staff Sergeant Steve LeClair in a statement. "Police are saddened by this discovery and extend our sympathies to the friends and family of Mr. Christian."
Whistler Blackcomb’s director of employee experience released this statement on Thursday: “Thank you to all of our colleagues and friends that helped in the search effort for David. Whistler Blackcomb’s Critical Incident Team has been deployed and grief counselling is available through our 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-387-4765. If you or someone on your team is having a difficult time, please to do not hesitate to contact me directly at 604-905-8312. Our condolences and deepest sympathies to David’s family, friends and colleagues. A young life lost too soon.”
Christian is the second case of an apparently intoxicated person dying after venturing into the woods. DJ Mike Grefner disappeared on Jan. 16 and his body was found on March 10 in the woods near Whistler Secondary School.
