Staff Report
BRANT NEWS

The search for a missing 26-year-old Cambridge man ended in tragedy on Sunday.

County of Brant OPP said the body of Blair Riddell was located in the river shortly after 3 p.m., according to a media release issued by police late Sunday afternoon.

Riddell was reported missing at 3 a.m. on Sunday after a canoeing incident on the Grand River north of Paris.

Ridell and another man were canoeing on the river on Saturday at about 8 p.m. when their canoe tipped.The other man uprighted the canoe, collected the pair’s belongings and continued paddling into Paris.

Riddell was initially believed to have made it to safety on the east bank of the river.

An extensive search was conducted by police and county firefighters on Sunday. An OPP search helicopter, canine unit, emergency response team, underwater search and rescue team and firefighters combed the water, riverbanks and surrounding area for any sign of Riddell, according to Const. Larry Plummer of the County of Brant OPP.

Police earlier asked home owners along the Grand River to check their sheds and garages, as it was suspected Riddell may have been looking for a place to sleep overnight.

Officers are reminding people to be cautious while boating or swimming in lakes and rivers.

Boaters are asked to wear a personal floatation device and non-swimmers are encouraged to stay out of deep water.