The body pulled from the Gorge waterway on Tuesday was that of Duncan Pucker, Victoria police have confirmed.
The 26-year-old was last seen about 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4 on Arm Street, a cul-de-sac that ends in a trail leading to the Gorge. His body was discovered Tuesday near Selkirk Trestle by a group of paddlers with the Fairway Gorge Paddling Club.
Pucker’s family released a statement through Victoria police: “Duncan was a much-loved and happy young man. He will be missed greatly. We are grateful for the efforts of the Victoria police and all others who participated in the search for Duncan.”
Foul play has been ruled out.
“Our thoughts go out to Duncan’s family during this very difficult time,” the department said in a statement.
The B.C. Coroners Service is leading the investigation to determine the cause of death.
Pucker was a former University of Victoria student and worked at the Romeo’s restaurant in Broadmead Village. “He was part of our Romeo’s family and we loved him very much,” said his manager Evan Dean.
Victoria police said the Saanich police dive unit, the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre, the Canadian Coast Guard, crew of the Coast Guard ship CCGS Bartlett, the Victoria Fire Department and Metchosin Ground Search and Rescue were involved in exhaustive searches of the Gorge waterway.
“Our investigators would not have been able to provide such a robust and concerted investigation without the co-operation of our key partners and they want to extend their thanks to all those who aided in the search,” Victoria police said.
