On a day when they should have been celebrating his birthday, the family of Neskie Manuel received confirmation of his death.
The 30-year-old Neskonlith Indian Band councillor went missing Sunday, May 8 from his family’s camping grounds near Neskonlith Lake. His body was found June 25 by a local rancher on the shore of the South Thompson River near Pritchard, which is downstream from the Neskonlith reserve.
Manuel’s identity was confirmed Wednesday, June 29. Chase RCMP confirmed an autopsy has been conducted and there were no signs of foul play.
“The family would like to thank all the people who helped search for Neskie or contributed to the search…Your ongoing support for the 53-day search will never be forgotten.,” said a Manuel family press release.
Search and rescue teams from Kamloops, the Shuswap and Vernon worked with numerous community volunteers to comb the rugged mountain terrain, lakes and river in an attempt to find the man. Aerial coverage had also been conducted without any sign of him.
“As unfortunate as it may be, our family is pleased to be making funeral arrangements for our once-missing family member,” said Arthur Manuel, Neskie’s father.
