Brian Boucher's remains recovered
Fort Smith man, who disappeared en route from Hay River to Fort Smith in October of last year, found in vehicle submerged in pond
Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, July 13, 2015
HAY RIVER
Human remains that were located on July 6 in a pond along Highway 5, about 35 km outside of Hay River, have been identified.
Brian Boucher: Fort Smith man missing since October was found deceased on July 6 in a pond along Highway 5, about 35 km from Hay River.
A truck prepares to remove a vehicle from a pond along Highway 5, about 35 km from Hay River on July 7. Human remains were discovered in the submerged vehicle on July 6. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo |
The Office of the Chief Coroner of the NWT confirmed on July 9 that the remains are those of Brian Melvin Boucher of Fort Smith.
The 52-year-old was last seen in Hay River on Oct. 25, 2014, while attending a college course. Afterward, he was to drive on that date from Hay River to Fort Smith in his truck.
The vehicle, which was discovered submerged in the pond, contained the remains.
According to an RCMP news release, although the cause of death has not been determined, foul play is not suspected.
The RCMP is continuing its investigation with the co-operation of the Office of the Chief Coroner.
"A great deal of concern was expressed by the public when Mr. Boucher was reported missing," stated Sgt. Eric Lane of the RCMP's NWT Major Crimes Unit in the news release.
"Efforts were made to locate Brian, not only by police, but by members of the public. It is unfortunate that he has been found deceased. Our condolences are with Mr. Boucher's family, and the community."
According to an earlier RCMP news release, officers from Hay River were called to the pond off the side of Highway 5 shortly before 3 p.m. on July 6.
Const. Elenore Sturko, media relations officer with the RCMP's G Division in Yellowknife, said the vehicle was spotted in the pond by construction workers.
Cathy Menard, the chief coroner of the NWT, said the remains were sent for post-mortem examination and identification in Edmonton.
On May 9, the RCMP conducted an air search along Highway 5, but failed to find any sign of Boucher or his truck at that time.
