A man reported missing from North Cowichan earlier this year has been confirmed deceased after human remains recovered from the Cowichan River were identified as belonging to him.
On May 24th, Cowichan Search and Rescue located partial human remains in the river during what began as a training exercise in partnership with Cowichan Tribes.
The scenario was initially based on a report of a man missing near the Quamichan Longhouse, with conflicting accounts of him either entering the river during the night or being seen early that morning. Two boys who went looking for him had also not returned, prompting search teams to deploy.
Ground crews searched the surrounding areas, tracking teams followed leads into McAdam Park, and swiftwater teams were launched onto the river. The scenario was nearly resolved when the training shifted into a real task operation for RCMP following the discovery of human remains.
Four days later, on May 28th, the RCMP Dive Team conducted a follow-up search and recovered additional remains from the same area.
The remains were turned over to the BC Coroners Service to investigate and assist in identification.
Some of the remains have now been confirmed to belong to Clyde Johnny Sr., a 68-year-old man who was last seen on February 25th and reported missing on March 5th.
Related: RCMP seek public’s help in locating missing 68-year-old man in North Cowichan/Duncan area
As a result, police say Johnny Sr. is no longer considered a missing person.
in a media release, RCMP said that while a full determination has not yet been made, foul play is not suspected in his death. The BC Coroners Service continues to investigate, and efforts to identify the remaining human remains are ongoing.
Police extended their thanks to everyone who assisted in the search efforts for Johnny Sr., which spanned several months. Anyone with further information is asked to contact North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
