Body of one missing hunter found on Rocher River
The body of Walter Ladouceur, 42, was recovered from the Rocher River on Sunday while the RCMP search for three other missing hunters continues.
Fort Chipewyan RCMP, the RCMP E Division underwater recovery team from British Columbia, K Division air services, Parks Canada, and human remains detection dogs continue to search for the three other missing men.
Three of the four hunters who have been missing in Northern Alberta since April 23, including Ladoucer, are from the Fort Chipewyan branch of the Canadian Rangers, a component of the Armed Forces reserves.
The Canadian Rangers were identified as Ladoucer, Andrew Ladoucer and Keith Marten, according to a news release from the Department of National Defence. The fourth man has been identified as Keanan Cardinal.
The hunters’ boat was found in a river that flows through Wood Buffalo National Park last Tuesday.
On the weekend, Canadian Rangers were assisting in the recovery mission along with RCMP. Additional Rangers are on standby if help is needed and administrative and counselling support is being given to their families, the DND states.
“My heartfelt condolences and prayers are very much with the families and loved ones of those lost,” said Lt.-Col. Russ Meades, commanding officer of the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group in a news release. “Keith, Andrew, and Walter were outstanding Rangers and valuable community members. They served their community, and Canadians, with dedication, honour, and pride.”
A news release on behalf of the Fort Chipewyan RCMP stated that the Edmonton medical examiner’s office will be conducting an autopsy, but no date has been set.