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UPDATE: Body found (Missing man presumed drowned)

The area being searched posed many challenges to the search team due to treacherous conditions in the water
mattawa river police search supplied
OPP search the Ottawa River. Supplied.

UPDATE:

The body was found Saturday afternoon close to where he had entered the water.

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A swimmer missing in the Ottawa River near Mattawa since July 15 is now presumed drowned.

OPP continued their search for Arthur Lavoie 40, of St. Catherines, visiting relatives in Mattawa.

See: Missing man in Ottawa River identified by police

He was last seen wearing red shorts, a red t-shirt and a red bandana near the train bridge that crosses over the Ottawa River.

Members of the Mattawa Detachment, the OPP North Bay Detachment Marine Unit, the OPP North East Region Snowmobile ATV Vessel Enforcement Unit (SAVE), the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (USRU), OPP Aviation Services Helicopter, OPP Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry searched the area extensively. The area being searched posed many challenges to the search team due to treacherous conditions in the water.

The OPP continues their effort in the search for this male. Police are asking if anyone observes clothing matching the description above floating in the river or on the riverbanks to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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