RCMP in Grand Forks have located the body of a man who went missing Sunday night while rafting on the Kettle River east of the city.
Wade Brunelle, 54, was rafting with his brother around the junction of the Kettle and Granby rivers when he fell off and was lost to sight. Search and Rescue and Fire Rescue crews took to the river Sunday to search for him but only his raft was discovered.
Brunelle’s body was discovered Monday morning a short distance south of the 68 St. Bridge in Grand Forks by an RCMP helicopter. Search and Rescue teams from Grand Forks, Nelson, Penticton and Castlegar were involved in the search, as well as RCMP air and water support.
Brunelle was a non-swimmer and was not wearing a personal flotation device. Alcohol is believed to be a factor; the investigation is still ongoing. The police did not release the name of Brunelle’s hometown.