North Okanagan RCMP have confirmed the discovery of a body near the south end of Mabel Lake.

The BC Coroners Service is still identifying the body, but has confirmed the remains match those of a male in his 50s.

It’s believed that body belongs to missing 58-year-old John Keeley, a teacher from Vernon who RCMP were searching for in that area after he went missing while kayaking on July 18.

The RCMP say the search for Keeley has now been called off.

“Numerous volunteers from Vernon Search and Rescue spent countless hours working alongside the RCMP during the search for the missing kayaker,” said Cst. Kelly Brett. “The search for the missing kayaker has now been called off and the BC Corners Service has taken conduct of the investigation.”

Photo Credit: Okanagan Homes

Vernon Search and Rescue were conducting patrols of Mabel Lake as part of the ongoing search for Keeley when they ultimately found the body in a steep embankment down from the water’s edge.

“The ground search and recovery of the body was very difficult due to the hazardous terrain and dense foliage, requiring both teamwork and technical rope gear,” said Trevor Honigman, Vernon Search and Rescue director.

There’s no further information available at this time.