A body found in the water near the Tsawwassen First Nation last week has been confirmed as that of 36-year-old Waylon Joe.

Joe, a member of the TFN, was by his family after they had not seen him for several days.

鈥淎n extensive search was conducted after Waylon was reported missing, spanning several weeks鈥� Superintendent Kelly Young, head of the Delta Police Department鈥檚 investigative services, said in a press release. 鈥淧olice were joined by the TFN community, Surrey Search & Rescue, RCMP Air Services and Dive Team, but unfortunately we were not able to locate him. However, our officers continued to work hard, pursuing a number of investigative strategies in an effort to find him.鈥�

On Wednesday, Nov. 28, Delta police were called after a dog walker spotted what looked like human remains on the shore of the TFN.

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On Monday, Dec. 3, those remains were confirmed to be Waylon Joe.

鈥淚t is with a heavy heart I inform you that the search for our relative and friend, Waylon Joe, has come to an end,鈥� Chief Bryce Williams said in a message posted to the TFN鈥檚 Facebook page. 鈥淥ur prayers and deepest condolences are with the Joe family. We love you and are here for you.鈥�

Delta police are working with the BC Coroners Service to investigate the circumstances surrounding Joe鈥檚 death. Foul play is not suspected, and as such the matter is being treated as a coroner鈥檚 case. A cause of death has not yet been determined.

鈥淭his was difficult news to bring to Waylon鈥檚 loved ones,鈥� Young said. 鈥淲e had all hoped for a different outcome. However, I hope the news can bring them, and this tight-knit community, some sense of closure.鈥�

editor@northdeltareporter.com
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