The search for a missing Okanagan teacher is officially over.
On Tuesday, Vernon RCMP said the body that was discovered on a steep embankment near Mabel Lake matches the description of missing man in his 50s. That would be Vernon teacher John Keeley, who went missing during a kayak trip on Thursday, July 19.
Police say they recovered Keely’s kayak and his vehicle, but couldn’t locate him. However, on Friday, RCMP said they were notified by Vernon Search and Rescue that a body was found near the south end of Mabel Lake, approximately 250 meters up a steep embankment. The discovery was made at approximately 9 p.m.
According to police, Vernon Search and Rescue was conducting a search for Keeley. During a search of Mabel Lake, the body was found on a steep embankment near the water’s edge.
“The ground search and recovery of the body was very difficult due to the hazardous terrain and dense foliage, requiring both teamwork and technical rope gear,” Vernon Search and Rescue director Trevor Honigman.”
“Numerous volunteers from Vernon Search and Rescue spent countless hours working alongside RCMP during the search for the missing kayaker,” said RCMP Cst. Kelly Brett. “The search for the missing kayaker has now been called off and the B.C. Coroners Service has taken conduct of the investigation.”
Police said the B.C. Coroners Service is working to determine the identity of the deceased, but confirmed the remains match those of a male in his 50s.
Comments