Search for missing dad ends on B.C. land; police, coroner still to ID remains

VICTORIA – Vancouver Island police say they are working with the coroner to identify human remains found on Thursday during a search for a missing 51-year-old father.

Police say the search for any sign of Dana McKellar that began June 2 is now over and was one of the largest ever conducted on the island, focusing on three hectares in rural Saanich, B.C.

More than 90 officers used ground-penetrating radar, electromagnetic mapping technology, and thermal imaging in the search.

Once the remains are identified, police say they will speak with next of kin, determine how the person died and who was responsible.

McKellar was reported missing last September, and police say they learned that he had been assaulted in the previous July.

Police say a stolen piece of excavation equipment was recovered, but businesses on the property were not related to the investigation and remain open.