The body of a missing Ontario hiker was found in Kluane National Park Thursday, according to an RCMP news release this morning.
The 30-year-old man has been identified as Yoichi Kubota, from Cambridge, Ont.
Kubota was believed to be hiking alone in the Slims River Valley and Observation Mountain area of the park. He registered with Parks Canada on July 26 and was due out of the park by July 29.
But when he failed to notify Parks Canada of his exit, the RCMP was advised of his disappearance. A search was launched July 30 including a Parks Canada ground team, the RCMP’s dog service and a search and rescue team member. From a helicopter, they were able to quickly spot the body along the Canada Creek area.
The incident isn’t considered suspicious, the release said.
“It is believed that the death is likely related to exposure and/or effects of cold water, but an autopsy has been ordered at Vancouver General Hospital to determine the cause of death,” according to Kirsten Macdonald, chief coroner for Yukon.
Macdonald said it’s believed Kubota was attempting to cross Canada Creek when the incident occurred. The autopsy will be performed this week.
Contact Myles Dolphin at
myles@yukon-news.com