The body of a man who was swept away in Whistler's Cheakamus River on Canada Day has been recovered, according to his family.
In a Facebook post on July 31, Illya Rechytskyy's wife, Irina Andreeva, said Rechytskyy was found in Daisy Lake on July 30.
"This is a heartbreaking moment, but your efforts brought us the closure we so desperately needed," Andreeva wrote.
"To the people of Whistler—your kindness, your solidarity, and your humanity have touched me and my family forever. You showed what true community means. Please take care of yourselves. Life is fragile. Don’t forget to speak words of love to those dearest to you—while you can."
Rechytskyy, a visitor from Israel, was last seen being carried downstream near the Cheakamus Crossing area, according to witnesses. He had been visiting family in Whistler with his wife, according to his daughter, Veronika Misyura, after the family’s return flight to Israel was postponed due to ongoing conflict in the region.
“We actually just celebrated his birthday here in Whistler on June 15,” Misyura told Pique on July 7. “He is an Israeli citizen and also originally from Ukraine.”
In the days following the incident, Misyura and her husband, Roman, coordinated daily search efforts along the river between the Cheakamus Crossing entry bridge and Daisy Lake. They were joined by the RCMP, Whistler Search and Rescue, and a group of licensed and volunteer drone operators. Helicopters were also deployed.
Reached on July 31, Misyura offered gratitude on behalf of the family to the Whistler community, "and to everyone who helped in the search and supported us during these weeks."
A GoFundMe for the family is still live, and has raised $6,625 of a $7,000 target as of this writing—though plans for a new fundraiser are in the works to help cover funeral costs.
Pique reached out to the Whistler RCMP, but did not receive a response before press time. Check back for updates.
-with files from Liz McDonald
