Missing Okanagan hiker found dead at the bottom of McIntyre Bluff

The search for a missing hiker in the Vaseux Lake area has come to a tragic end.

Police confirmed today that the man who was reported missing to the Oliver RCMP on Monday has been found dead at the base of McIntyre Bluff.

“This is a tragic result for the family of the deceased,” said Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth, nothing that the RCMP and Victim Services will support them through this difficult time.

“Thank you to search and rescue for their assistance in recovering the victim from this dangerous and challenging location.”

The initial investigation determined that he had paddleboarded across Vaseux Lake on Sunday night with plans on completing a hike on the west side of the lake.

However, he did not return that evening and his paddleboard was found well up on shore.

“The man had communicated with his family from the top of McIntyre Bluff, having sent them pictures with no indication of any concerns for his well being,” explained an RCMP release.

Penticton Search and Rescue, an RCMP plane, a search and rescue helicopter and police dogs were all utilized in the search on Monday, but the man was not found.

It was early Tuesday morning that his body was discovered at the base of McIntyre Bluff.

The RCMP is assisting the BC Coroners Service with the investigation into his death and no further information is being released at this time.