Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, April 23, 2007

HAY RIVER - A body has been found after a Hay River home burned to the ground in the early morning hours of April 22 in the West Channel area of the community.

As of Sunday morning, the owner of the house had not yet been located.

However, a friend, who did not wish to be identified, was hoping the homeowner, believed to be 42-year-old Raymond Whelan Sr., would be located safe and sound. The friend said he believed Whelan had gone to High Level with a group of friends. "I'm pretty sure he's out of town."

According to the friend, the homeowner lived alone in the five-bedroom house, which caught fire at about 2 a.m. A car parked near the residence was also destroyed in the fire.

"We have located a body in the residence," said Staff Sergeant Craig Seafoot. "At this time we don't know who it is."

Seafoot said the body would be taken to Edmonton for an autopsy and identification.

On Good Friday, April 6, another house burned in the Miron Drive area.