Send this page to someone via email

Share this item on Twitter

Share this item via WhatsApp

Share this item on Facebook

The remains of a Cowichan Valley father who went missing earlier this year have been discovered on Vancouver Island.

The family of Ben Kilmer confirmed his body was found last Wednesday in a remote area of Duncan on Vancouver Island.

“His death is a shock to all who knew him, and a devastating outcome to a vast and difficult search,” read a statement from Kilmer’s family posted on Wednesday.

Dozens of people scoured the region looking for Kilmer, who was last seen on May 16.

From July: Family of missing Cowichan man appeals for help

2:09 Family of missing Cowichan man appeals for help Family of missing Cowichan man appeals for help

Surveillance video showed him at a job site. His work van was later found abandoned along Cowichan Lake Road with the engine running. Adding to the mystery, a small amount of blood was found inside the vehicle.

Story continues below advertisement

At the time Kilmer went missing, his wife Tonya said his disappearance was deeply out of character for the 41-year-old father of two.

“It’s a mystery because he would never leave us,” she said.

The family thanked the community and the RCMP for the support they received during the months-long search.

RCMP said foul play has been ruled out and the file is now with the BC Coroners Service.

— With files from Jennifer Palma