Fort McPherson (Nov 27/06) - After three weeks of searching by volunteers, family and friends, the body of Gary James Koe has been recovered.

The 28-year-old man died in a snowmobile accident on Oct. 31 along with his friend Ernest William Francis.

Sergeant Merle Carpenter of the Fort McPherson RCMP said volunteers discovered a body trapped under the ice of the Peel River after 5 p.m. on Oct 22.

He said they immediately called police, and the remains were later identified by a member of the family.

Carpenter said Koe's body was turned over to the family, so they could arrange a respectful burial. "The community's efforts were by far the contributing factor which lead to him being found," Carpenter said, adding he wished to thank all the volunteers.

"It's impressive to see the determination from them. They just wouldn't give up," he said.

Members of the Koe family could not be reached as of press time.