According to CTV News, a 22-year old hiker has been found dead on a forestry road after he went missing in a provincial park near Shawnigan Lake on Wednesday.
A spokesman for the Shawnigan Lake RCMP detachment said the man was out to explore a cave in Koksilah River Provincial Park, but after missing a 7 p.m. pick up time arranged with his caretakers, a search and rescue operation was initiated.
#BREAKING : Search and rescue crews near Shawnigan Lake find the body of a 22yrd hiker. He went missing Wednesday evening. @CTVNewsVI pic.twitter.com/VILOxYA9LV
— Scott Cunningham (@CTVNewsScott) July 20, 2017
Searchers said that while searching for the man, an aggressive cougar stalked them with minimal signs of fear.
Unfortunately, the search was eventually called off by 1 a.m. due to fatigue and the cougar, and efforts continue the following Thursday morning.
Clothing belonging to the man was found, which eventually led crews to the body of the man.
There is no confirmation on how the man died, but authorities have told CTV News that searchers were incredibly shaken by the discovery.
The RCMP spokesman said the cause of death is under investigation, and more details will be released as the investigation continues