The Nova Scotia RCMP has reported that a body discovered in Advocate Harbour, N.S., is likely that of a youth who had gone missing during a devastating flood in Nova Scotia nearly two weeks ago.
The recovery of the body took place along the shore of Advocate Harbour around 10:35 a.m. on Tuesday when it was found in the water by an individual who was out walking their dog.
“We’re working with the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service to positively identify the remains,” stated Superintendent Sean Auld, the Nova Scotia RCMP’s Support Services Officer, during a news conference in Windsor, N.S., on Wednesday morning. “But at this time, we believe they are those of the youth who was reported missing on July 22 as a result of extreme flooding in West Hants.”
Advocate Harbour is located approximately 75 kilometers northwest of the area where the youth went missing. However, the search has taken investigators over 100 kilometers away, as the torrential flooding caused by the storm led to unprecedented water force and pushed objects, including vehicles, trees, and unfortunately, deceased individuals, over considerable distances.
During the same storm event, four people went missing in West Hants after their vehicles were swept away by rapidly rising water. The bodies of Nicholas Anthony Holland (52), six-year-old Natalie Hazel Harnish, and six-year-old Colton Sisco were discovered on July 24 and 25.
Holland and one of the children were found in the primary search area, a flooded hayfield in Brooklyn, while the other child’s remains were located by civilians in a nearby coastal area.
The missing youth was reportedly traveling with Holland when the vehicle they were in got forced off the road and into a flooded field.
The extensive search for the missing youth was temporarily suspended on Monday to allow remaining water to drain from the search site.
In light of the tragedy and loss, Kings-Hants MP Kody Blois expressed gratitude for the efforts of first responders who tirelessly searched for the victims. He also acknowledged that the news of finding the last missing person brings a sense of closure to the West Hants community.
Blois highlighted the need for improvements in rural communities, including better cell reception and more effective emergency alerts. He referenced an instance where he missed a call from the Minister of Emergency Preparedness due to poor cell reception, emphasizing the necessity to address these issues to improve public safety during weather-related events.
In response, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston stated that the province will heed the recommendations from the Mass Causality Commission on improving emergency alerts. He also expressed his displeasure with the current process to enhance cell reception and vowed to push for necessary solutions.
During the news conference, heartfelt condolences were extended to the victims’ families. Melissa Sheehy-Richard, Hants West MLA, and West Hants Regional Municipality Mayor Abraham Zebian also offered support to the affected families and emphasized the strength and unity of the Nova Scotia community in overcoming challenges.
Mayor Zebian described the victims as “angels up above now,” and urged everyone to remember their faces and cherish their memory as they were integral members of the community.