The body of Rossland’s Gary Camozzi has been found several weeks after he was reporting missing.
RCMP say on Sunday afternoon, a hiker located Camozzi in a makeshift camp on Red Mountain. Search and rescue and police officers met with the man, and then hiked about 10 km to the location, where they recovered the 71-year-old’s body.
The BC Coroners Service will investigate but foul play is not suspected.
“It is a sad day for people in Rossland,” Sgt. Mike Wicentowich said.
“I would like to thank Rossland SAR and RCMP members who hiked a lengthy distance into the location and spent hours in the cold temperatures to recover Gary’s body in a respectful and dignified manner.
“Gary was a unique individual and local legend. Those who knew him will miss him. I am confident that the local communities will find a way to commemorate his untamed spirit and contribution to our Kootenay culture.”
Camozzi mostly lived outdoors. He was last seen alive in early November. Extensive searching failed to find him. However, Wicentowich said it is very difficult to locate someone in such a large area. He said even searching for people lost in the bush whey they are communicating with their searchers by cell phone can be difficult.
He said the area where Camozzi was found was likely searched, but it was off the beaten trail, and therefore not easy to locate. A hiker out with his dog just happened to come across him.
“The volunteers did a really extensive search but it’s very easy to miss people out in the bush,” he said, adding that search and rescue was planning a second search this week with a helicopter, weather permitting. “It’s entirely possible they would have come across him during the second search.”