New Zealand Confirms 2 Bodies Found In Avalanche Debris Are Missing Canadians

The Canadian Press, 29 Jul, 2015 12:27 PM

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand police have confirmed that two bodies found in avalanche debris near a popular hiking track are those of two missing Canadian students.

Police said a post-mortem conducted Wednesday confirmed the deceased were Louis-Vincent Lessard and Etienne Lemieux, both aged 23.

According to police, the Montreal students travelled on July 7 to the South Island town of Te Anau intending to hike the Kepler Track, a route which typically takes three or four days.

Police said they were reported missing by their families on July 25.

Search and rescue teams found and recovered the bodies this week about 350 metres below the track amid the avalanche debris.

New Zealand officials caution hikers to take extra care on the track from May to October due to wintery conditions.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Canada Seeks U.S. Assistance With Translating Documents In Chinese Spy Case

Stacey Repas told a B.C. Supreme Court extradition hearing that the RCMP doesn't have the resources to translate more than 300,000 pages confiscated last year from Su Bin, an accused spy and Chinese citizen.

Canada Seeks U.S. Assistance With Translating Documents In Chinese Spy Case

Man, 24, Suspected Of Ramming Police Cars In Front Of Winnipeg Headquarters Charged

The charges against Wayne Daniel Rennie include dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, mischief and two counts of assaulting a police officer with a weapon.

Man, 24, Suspected Of Ramming Police Cars In Front Of Winnipeg Headquarters Charged

Aggressive Blaze Explodes, Threatens Homes On Shore Near B.C.'s Okanagan Lake

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — A B.C. wildfire threatening homes along the west side of Okanagan Lake grew dramatically Tuesday morning.

Aggressive Blaze Explodes, Threatens Homes On Shore Near B.C.'s Okanagan Lake

Canadian Spies Might Blow Our Efforts Abroad If Caught By Authorities: RCMP

OTTAWA — The RCMP is concerned that new anti-terrorism legislation might hurt — not help — its security efforts in overseas hotspots, internal notes say.

Canadian Spies Might Blow Our Efforts Abroad If Caught By Authorities: RCMP

Feds Expected To Collect $340 Million In Tax, From $3 Billion In Child Benefits

OTTAWA — The federal government handed out almost $3 billion in child benefit payments Monday, but will claw back almost $340 million from families when the tax man comes calling in April.