Missing swimmer found dead in South Saskatchewan River

A 17-year-old boy who went missing while swimming last weekend has been found dead.

RCMP said searchers recovered a body Friday from the South Saskatchewan River, about 1.5 kilometres north of Fred Heal Canoe Launch.

Justin Warwaruk, 17, went missing after diving into the river while swimming with friends at Beaver Creek on July 16.

Staff Sgt. Greg Abbott told media the teen’s family has mixed feelings about the news.

“There’s a great deal of grief, as you can imagine, and relief – relief that he’s been found,” Abbott said.

“It was a huge effort on the part of the family and their support people – their community, and all the surrounding communities.”

While the boy’s family members were notified, RCMP said positive identification of the deceased has yet to be confirmed. An autopsy will be conducted in Saskatoon in the coming days.

RCMP said there’s no suspicion of foul play or alcohol being involved in the incident.

An extensive search involving air, water and ground crews began shortly after Warwaruk was reported missing. Divers, sonar and infrared technology were also used to detect any sign of the boy.

People from the teen’s home community of Outlook volunteered and assisted in the effort.

An online fundraising page quickly surpassed its $10,000 goal to help with the costs of the search. Excess funds will to be given to Saskatoon Search and Rescue.

– With files from 650 CKOM’s JT Marshall.