The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a male who was found deceased near Smithers on Aug. 13, 2015.

He was Mitchell George Lazarre, aged 49, of Fort St. James.

Mr. Lazarre had gone missing on Aug. 10 while on a fishing trip with friends and family to Nilkitkwa Lake, about 100 kilometres north of Smithers. The other members of his party reported him missing and a search was begun. In the morning of Aug. 13, Mr. Lazarre was discovered by search-and-rescue personnel in Nilkitkwa Lake. He was deceased at the scene.

The BC Coroners Service continues to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Lazarre has been notified of his death. On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.