A Prince George man is believed to have drowned last week in Takysie Lake, about 50 km south of Burns Lake.
Brett Smith was reported missing by his family Thursday when his family hadn't heard from him in two days. The 36-year-old moved to Prince George from Chilliwack two year ago and ran his own drywalling business.
Early Sunday night an RCMP spokesperson indicated the search for Smith had turned to recovery mode of the body.
Lisa Marshall, a close friend of Brett and Lisa Smith in Prince George, said Brett had sent a text or phone call on Tuesday to someone before heading out in a boat on Takysie Lake. Marshall believed Smith was relatively new to boating. Smith was supposed to call his wife Tuesday evening, but never did.
Marshall's husband Owen and another friend, Dustin Snyder travelled to the Takysie Lake Resort, where Smith's truck was located, to help with the search. Smith's brother Chase and a family friend found the truck Wednesday.
The boat, with Smith's belongings inside, was located by the owners of the resort on the shore of the lake.
RCMP and local search-and-rescue personnel have spent four days combing the area. Officials are currently using a sonar unit, police dogs and a helicopter in their search, but they say Smith has likely drowned in the lake.
"Search efforts will continue in order to locate Brett Smith who was last heard from on Tuesday and is now sadly presumed drowned," RCMP spokesperson Cst. Lesley Smith, said in a written statement. "Many volunteers from the surrounding area including the owners of the Takysie Lake resort have been extremely helpful during this challenging search process. RCMP Victim services from Prince George and Burns Lake are assisting the family during this tragic time
-- With files from The Canadian Press
