Emergency crews search the South Saskatchewan River near Strathcona Island Park Saturday following the report of a missing person. The remains of a 31-year-old male who had been swept away into the river were recovered Sunday morning. -- NEWS PHOTO RYAN MCCRACKEN
Medicine Hat Fire Service and South East Alberta Search and Rescue have located the remains of a 31-year-old male who was reportedly swept away into the South Saskatchewan River Saturday.
A release from Medicine Hat Police Service says the remains were located by the fire service at around 11:15 a.m. Sunday morning. The search began Saturday shortly after 5:30 p.m. when emergency services were called to the river in the area of Finlay Bridge, but the man was not recovered by darkness. The search then resumed early Sunday morning.
The release adds that foul play, alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the incident, however MHPS has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the individual.
“This is a normal function of the police and their duties as investigators on behalf of the Office of the Medical Examiner,” reads the release. “The Medicine Hat Police Service Victim Assistance Unit is supporting the family with ongoing support during the grief process.”
Fire, police, South East Alberta Search and Rescue and HALO Air Ambulance all contributed to the search and recovery.
MHPS will not be releasing the name of the deceased.
