Remains found in West Kelowna believed to be that of missing 27-year-old

• He was reported missing on Nov. 8
• Plenty of volunteers were searching for him
• Facebook group created to commemorate his life

Human remains found in West Kelowna are believed to belong to a man who went missing in November.

West Kelowna RCMP were called around 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 2, after a group snowshoeing found the remains around Smith Creek.

The group was part of an informal search for 27-year-old James Wood, who was reported missing on Nov. 8, 2021.

Officers said the remains are believed to be his, though they nor the B.C. Coroners Service will confirm the identity, according to a media release.

“Officers from the West Kelowna RCMP have been in contact with the man’s family and provided them with this tragic update,” Cpl. Tammy Lobb said. “Our thoughts are with the family of the man during this difficult time.”

A statement on a Facebook page posted on behalf of James’ mother, Pat, confirmed the remains are believed to belong to James.

“I would like to thank each one of you for your kind thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement,” it said. “Also [an] extended thanks to those who had stepped forward to assist our family to find this closure.”

Criminality is not suspected, and the B.C. Coroners Service is investigating to determine details surrounding his death.