The search for 21-year-old Aiden Waddle was called off this morning after he had been missing for nine days.
In a Facebook post, Waddle's family said they decide to end the search so as not to risk anybody else's health or safety as weather conditions are becoming more hazardous.
The post went on to say the family will stay near Kitwancool Lake until it freezes over and they thanked everyone who came out over the last nine days for their help.
On Nov. 11, New Hazelton RCMP confirmed they had received a report of a missing person on Nov. 10.
Cpl. Madonna Saunderson said it was reported an adult male had gone kayaking alone on Kitwancool Lake and had not returned. She said RCMP, local search and rescue groups and volunteers had be searching for the missing man since the morning of Nov. 11.
According to the Kitwanga and Area Facebook group, his truck and kayak were found, but there was no sign of him.
"We just went to the other side of the lake and went all the way down, still no word yet," said his cousin Danielle Glover on Nov. 11. "We have multiple crews trekking through the bush from shore to the old road in behind looking for any sign of him."
As the week progressed, Glover provided ongoing updates noting the arrival of search and rescue groups from around the region, a drone operator from 亚洲天堂 Lake, Canadian Rangers and dozens of local volunteers.
First Nations from across the region mobilized joining in the search and stepping up with donations of firewood, food, fuel, clothing and other items.
"We've had multiple Indigenous peoples from Gitanyow, Gitwangak, Gitsegukla, Hagwilget, Gitanmaax, Kispiox, and Sik-e-dakh help," Glover said.
"Those from Gitanyow have been there since day one since the village is so close to the lake. So many donations to the searchers at base camp and so many have brought out food and water.
Glover also confirmed a search and rescue group all the way from Kitkatla were on the ground right up to the end.
Waddle is described as a Caucasian male, 175 cm (5' 8鈥�) tall, 84 kg (185 lb) with brown hair and hazel eyes.
A GoFundMe campaign in support of the family has so far raised almost $8,000.
