Search for missing man ends in tragedy

A 33-year-old man reported missing near Worthington, west of Sudbury, has been found deceased. Police say no foul play is suspected.

Police in Greater Sudbury say the 33-year-old man, known only as Keith, reported missing earlier this week, has been found deceased on Thursday afternoon.

Members of the search and rescue team located Keith in the area of High Falls Road shortly after 2 p.m. on July 9.

“Our deepest condolences are extended to his family and friends during this difficult time,” police said in a news release Thursday.

“We ask that members of the public and the media respect their privacy as they grieve and navigate this tragic loss.”

No foul play suspected

According to police, at this time, there is no suspicion of criminality or foul play.

The search for the 33-year-old had been underway since he was reported missing. Keith was last seen around 6 p.m. on July 7 on High Falls Road, a remote area west of Sudbury.

Det. Staff Sgt. Barry Ornella of the Greater Sudbury Police Service said Wednesday the investigation had progressed to a full-scale search involving ground, air and K9 units, with marine boats later joining to search area waterways.

Challenging terrain

Authorities said the terrain in the search area proved to be a major challenge for ground crews.

Michael Wootton, director of North Shore Search and Rescue, described the conditions to CTV News on Thursday prior to Keith being found.

“Yesterday we had 8 or 9 people here. Today we, our team comprises of approximately 20 people, 25 people,” Wootton said.

“This is a great mix of, of really easy fields with ferns that are about as high as you and I are to, rock outcroppings that you can see in the distance that the mountain goats can’t climb.”

Police had said concerns for Keith’s well-being were escalating due to the weather and harsh terrain. He was not carrying a cellphone, though they said he was believed to know the area well.

Assistance acknowledged

Greater Sudbury Police thanked the members of North Shore Search and Rescue, Bimaajitoon Search and Rescue and the Ontario Provincial Police for their invaluable assistance throughout the search.

With files from CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca journalists Amanda Hicks and Madison Marier