Body found near Mabel Lake believed to be missing kayaker

VERNON – A body recovered near Mabel Lake on Saturday is believed to be that of Vernon high school teacher John Keeley.

The Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP posted to Facebook, Saturday, July 28, saying a body had been recovered near Mabel Lake but did not confirm the identity. 

Keeley's brother-in-law David Ross said police had contacted the family but were waiting for DNA test results before police would make an official confirmation.

The 58-year-old high school teacher went missing while kayaking on Mabel Lake, July 18. He reportedly left home at 1:30 p.m. that day and when he didn't return by dinner time, he was reported missing.

Police found Keeley's locked vehicle near the 22-kilometre marker of the Mabel Lake forest service road and his unoccupied kayak was found on the lake.

RCMP dive team's were unable to locate the missing man last week, although the search continued by air.

The RCMP Facebook post states the death is not deemed suspicious and the file has now been pasted to the BC Coroners Service.

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