Family fear for safety of missing Kelowna man

KELOWNA – RCMP are asking the public for help locating a Kelowna resident who has been missing since Jan. 2.

Benjamin Reichert, 39, was last seen by his family on Dec. 23 and although police do not suspect foul play, they are concerned for his health and wellbeing as prolonged absences are out of character.

He is believed to be in the Kelowna area as he is said to prefer walking and does not have a vehicle, according to a RCMP media release.

Reichert is a 6' tall, 166 lbs. Caucasian man with black hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue coat, grey hoodie, jeans, black boots and a black toque and gloves.

He may have been carrying a backpack.

UPDATE: Reichert's body was found in a vacant lot near the intersection of Clement Avenue and Ellis Street. 

His death is not considered suspicious and the investigation is now in the hands of the B.C. Coroners Service.

– This story was updated 2:40 p.m. Jan. 5, 2017 with info from the B.C. Coroner's Service.

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