The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a male found deceased on a beach on Sidney Island on Dec. 19, 2012.

After an exhaustive post-mortem investigation involving the BC Coroners Service (including its Identification and Disaster Response Unit), the Sidney RCMP detachment, RCMP Forensic Identification Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States, the man has been determined to be Brandon Lee Blanford, aged 36, of Bremerton in Washington State.

Mr. Blanford had been reported missing to U.S. authorities by family members in Hansville, Washington, on Dec. 11.

On Dec. 19, two men beachcombing on Jackspring Beach on Sidney Island found Mr. Blanford's body washed up on the beach.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP, in conjunction with U.S. authorities, are continuing to investigate this case.

Mr. Blanford's family has been made aware of his death. On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service requests that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.

For further information, please contact:

Matt Brown
Regional Coroner, Island Region
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9133