Pelly Crossing RCMP found Richard Hager’s body in the Pelly River on Monday, one kilometre downstream from the bridge where he was last seen.
Police say their investigation so far is consistent with witness reports that Hager, 21, jumped off the Pelly River Bridge on July 19 to go for a swim. He was seen struggling to swim to shore and is presumed to have drowned.
A massive community response came out to look for Hager. Alongside residents of Pelly Crossing, search and rescue teams from Whitehorse and Dawson City were called in. RCMP officers from neighbouring detachments also came in to help.
“The RCMP wish to recognize the tremendous support during this difficult time from Selkirk First Nation, RCMP detachments in Dawson City, Carmacks, Mayo, the “M” division relief team, auxilliary constables, police dog services, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Yukon search and rescue, along with volunteers from communities in the Yukon,” police said in a statement.
The coroner is investigating the death with the help of the police.
Contact Ashley Joannou at ashleyj@yukon-news.com