A group snowshoeing in the Smith Creek Road area discovered human remains while helping with an informal search of a missing man.

A 27-year-old West 琉璃神社 man who has been missing for the past two months was last seen in the area on Nov. 8.

West 琉璃神社 RCMP was notified of the latest discovery at about 2:30 p.m. Jan. 2.

According to Cpl. Tammy Lobb with the 琉璃神社 RCMP, following an investigation conducted by police at the scene, the remains are believed to be that of the man who went missing in November.

James Wood was reported missing in the 琉璃神社 area on Nov. 8. His family made a public plea offering a $1,000 reward for information and up to $5,000 for his safe return to a hospital, police or family.

His sister Aleesha Wood, said James suffered from mental illness and was considered to be in 鈥榓gitated catatonia鈥� before his disappearance, which has serious potential medical side effects and makes surviving outside in frigid temperatures even more dangerous.

鈥淥fficers from the West 琉璃神社 RCMP have been in contact with the man鈥檚 family and provided them with this tragic update,鈥� Lobb said.

At this time, criminality is not suspected in the man鈥檚 death. The BC Coroners Service is also investigating the matter. No other information is available at this time.

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~With files from Ruth Lloyd

jen.zielinski@bpdigital.ca
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