THE SEARCH for a man missing in the Skeena River has concluded without his body being found, announced police today.
After an exhaustive effort by First Nations volunteers, Terrace Ground Search and Rescue and the RCMP, the body of 29-year-old Alvin Clayton Jr. has ended, said Terrace RCMP in a release this afternoon.
Police and the BC Coroner's Service met with Clayton’s family, including his common-law wife and mother of their 15-month-old son.
“This is a tragic situation,” says Inspector Dana Hart of the Terrace RCMP. “ a little boy is going to grow up without his father and it could have been avoided.”
Police say foul play is not suspected, but that alcohol was involved.
On Sunday evening, a group of people were swimming in a small cove on the Skeena River at the east end of Terrace, reported police at that time.
Clayton was last seen around 7:20 p.m., diving into the water, however, he failed to surface, said police.
A rescue boat was on scene within 30 minutes and continued to search until dark, said police.
On Monday, searchers were joined by eight other boats from the Kitsumkalum and Kitselas First Nations to assist in the search, which focused on the area where Clayton was last seen diving into the water, said police.
“Everyone has worked very hard to bring some closure to the family,” says Hart.
“The response from the First Nations community is greatly appreciated, working in co-operation with Terrace Search and Rescue.”
While the official search has ended, volunteers from several First Nations communities plan to continue on the river for the next few days, said police.
Police note there are many boats and fisherman on the river and request they call police if they see anything.