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Body found in Kootenay Lake identified as missing man

The BC Coroners Service confirms the body of a man found in Kootenay Lake on Thursday morning was Paul Tayes, 56, of Surrey.
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The body found in Kootenay Lake Thursday was that of Paul Tayes

The BC Coroners Service confirms the body of a man found in Kootenay Lake on Thursday morning was Paul Tayes, 56, of Surrey, who had been missing for more than a week.

Tayes had checked into the Kokanee Creek campground on September 2 for one night and was reported missing by park staff two days later after he failed to return to his truck and equipment.

Nelson Search and Rescue began an extensive search of the area on the same day but were unable to locate him. Further efforts over the next few days were aided by dozens of other search personnel who arrived for a previously-scheduled training exercise.

Search officials believed it unlikely Tayes would be found in the lake because the water was very low and he left his canoe behind.

However, his body was subsequently discovered in Kootenay Lake near Crescent Beach by a local kayaker and recovered from the lake by search and rescue personnel.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate this death.

Police say there is no indication of foul play.



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