A tragic end to the search for a 41-year-old Vancouver Island man who disappeared over five months ago.
Ben Kilmer’s body has been found in a remote area near Duncan.
A family spokesperson confirms Kilmer's body was found last Wednesday October 17, by a hiker in a remote area of the Cowichan Valley, near the Chemainus River.
His death is not considered suspicious.
The married father of two was the subject of an extensive search after his work van was discovered on Cowichan Lake Road on May 16th.
Ben's family has released a statement expressing their sorrow and also gratitude for the support received. In part it reads:
"Our community rallied behind us for five months to comb through dense wilderness; put up more than 100,000 posters; donate time, funds, and resources; and contribute heartfelt energy to finding Ben. It is our sincere wish that every person who was involved feels the value of that effort. There are no words to fully convey what this has meant to us, but we thank you with all our hearts."