CORONER CONFIRMS VICTIM’S NAME IN SPARROW LAKE DROWNING JULY 29

GRAVENHURST — The body of a man found in Sparrow Lake Aug. 1 has been confirmed as a canoeist who was reported missing three days before.

Ian Walker, 56, was a seasonal resident on the lake.

And the ninth area water fatality this summer in just over a month.

Provincial police today said that on Aug. 1 the OPP, with the assistance of their Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (USRU), their Snowmobile, ATV, Vessel Enforcement (SAVE) and OPP Aviation Services located a body while searching for him for four days.

Yesterday, Aug. 10, the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario confirmed that the identity of Walker.

Walker was reported missing from his cottage on Sparrow Lake by members of his family on July 29, which prompted an extensive search of the area by OPP units and members of the public.

The OPP says their investigation into the incident has been concluded and no foul play is suspected.

The OPP would like to thank the members of the public who assisted throughout this investigation.