Body found at Domtar identified as missing wildfire evacuee

Mar 13, 2018 | 8:42 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Mounties have identified the body that was discovered at the Domtar Pulp Mill last week as that of missing wildfire evacuee David Michael Jeff.

Police were able to make the positive identification of the 67 year old Williams Lake man following an autopsy.

“At this time the investigative and forensic findings indicate that his death is non-suspicious in nature,” says Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Jodi Shelkie. “The Kamloops RCMP continue to assist the Coroners Office with their investigation into Mr. Jeff’s death.”

She says police are seeking the public’s help in determining the time line of Jeff’s activities prior to his death and how he came to be in the area where his body was found.

Jeff left Williams Lake due to wildfire evacuations on July 15, and was last seen in Kamloops on August 4.

A co-ordinated search effort with RCMP and local First Nations took place starting on October 23.

Jeff’s body was discovered by Domtar employees on March 7 near one of the mill’s settling ponds.

Anyone with further information is asked to call police.