Body of missing Ohio filmmaker found in B.C. wilderness

The body of a missing Ohio hiker and filmmaker has been found in northern B.C., almost five months after he disappeared.

Warren Andrew Sill, 26, came to the Gull Creek area of New Hazelton to film a documentary about rare Kermode bears, also known as 'spirit' bears.

Sill was reported missing in July. An extensive search involving RCMP police dogs, an ATV, a helicopter and a number of volunteers did not find him.

RCMP Const. Lesley Smith says a local search and rescue team was at Whiskey Creek area a week ago.

Smith said that because water levels in the creek and waterfall pool areas are much lower at this time of year, searchers were able to access hazardous areas that are underwater other times of year.

On Saturday Nov. 10, the team came across a green shirt frozen in debris above a 4-metre waterfall in Whiskey Creek.

The team returned Friday to the waterfall, equipped with ropes and swiftwater search equipment.

Searchers descended below the waterfall and, in a debris jam of logs, sticks, and rock, the team located and recovered a body.

Smith said the body was sent to Vancouver, where dental records confirmed that it was Andrew Sill.

She said it is unlikely anyone will ever know how he died.

"Well it's pure speculation at this time. I don't think we'll ever know," she said.

"But, due to the fact that it was near a waterfall, you know, two options here: it's possible that he may have fallen into this area, into the terrain that that location is well-known for — the steep terrain. Or, he was swimming," Smith said.