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Missing Pemberton paraglider found deceased

Coroner on scene as investigation continues into accident
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A search by multiple organizations to find a paraglider missing since Tuesday evening near Pemberton has ended in tragedy.

At 10 a.m. this morning, July 10, the body of a 44-year-old Pemberton resident was found by search and rescue crews, said Whistler RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Diane Blaine.

"It is a very unfortunate incident," she said, adding that while some family has been notified, the name of the deceased is being withheld until everyone is reached.

The Pemberton man was part of a group that paraglides together and this was not his first trip. He was prepared with an overnight bag and was carrying a cell phone. It is not known at this time if he had a personal locator beacon.

The group was out paragliding on July 8 when the man became separated from his friends, likely due to high winds. At the time, the group wasn't too worried as the man was well prepared, but when they were unable to reach him by phone they decided to alert the RCMP and search and rescue.

A significant search involving military aircraft from CFB Comox was lauched culminating in the discovery of his body this morning.

A coroner is heading to the scene of the accident, said Cpl. Blaine.

"It is a very trecherous area, so they are still in the process of dealing with this, and what happened and how it happened," she said.

Pique will continue to follow the story.