Although numerous people enjoyed the Great Outdoors over the May long weekend, two incidents arose that launched searches in British Columbia—and also served as reminders of the natural hazards that exist.

One involved a missing hiker, and the other was the sighting of a possible body in a river.

Hiker fatality

North Vancouver RCMP stated that two friends embarked upon a hike in the Mount Fromme area of North Vancouver on May 21.

During the hike, they became separated and only one of the two individuals returned to their vehicle. When the other person did not return, the individual at the vehicle contacted North Vancouver RCMP to report that his friend was missing.

Police launched a missing person investigation and contacted North Shore Rescue for assistance. North Shore Rescue conducted a ground search and used a helicopter as well.

The search continued until nightfall on May 21 and resumed at 6 a.m. on May 22.

Around 10:30 a.m. on May 22, the missing individual was found dead at a location not far from the point where the two friends became separated. North Vancouver RCMP stated that it appears to be a tragic accident.

B.C. Coroners Service took over the investigation. The male individual’s name is not being released.

Fraser River sighting

Meanwhile, Ridge Meadows RCMP responded to a report received shortly after 5 p.m. on May 22 about a possible sighting of a body floating down the Fraser River.

Officers arrived at the location, south of River Road near 223^rd Street in Maple Ridge, to search the area, along with B.C. Emergency Health personnel, fire rescue crews, an RCMP Air Services Air 1 helicopter, an RCMP boat, and a New Westminster Police Department boat.

However, crews were unable to locate what had been seen, and investigators haven’t been able to confirm if what was seen was a body.

Any witnesses who haven’t spoken to police yet are asked to call Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251.