British Columbia

Death of Charles Oudie, man found in storm drain, not suspicious police say

Twenty-six-year-old man's body was found in a storm drain in an East Vancouver neighbourhood Sunday.

"At this point it looks like some misadventure, a tragic accident."

Friends have been coming by the drain where Charles Oudie's body was found to drop off flowers and pay their respects. (CBC/Facebook)

The death of Charles Oudie, the 26-year-old man whose body was found in a storm drain in East Vancouver Sunday, is not suspicious, but a "tragic accident," said Vancouver Police Tuesday.

Police initially investigated the death as suspicious, but now suspect no foul play, said Const. Brian Montague.

"At this point it looks like some misadventure, a tragic accident. We're going to be handing over the investigation to the coroner at this point."

There has been speculation that Oudie was trying to retrieve some keys, but family and friends yesterday said they did not believe that explanation, and wanted police to empty the drain to search for evidence.

Charles Oudie's sister, Melissa, left, and friend Brittany Ross said Monday they didn't think his death was accidental. (CBC)

"I don't think it was an accident. I don't know what happened, but I don't think Charles would crawl into a storm well just to retrieve something," said Brittany Ross, a friend of Oudie's.

"It just doesn't add up, none of it does," said his sister, Melissa Oudie. His wallet and cell phone have been recovered elsewhere, she said.

It's not clear whether the heavy grate covering the drain was open or closed when Oudie's body was found. The B.C. Coroners Service said that will be part of its investigation.

Oudie's relatives and friends have set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for his funeral and the travel costs of his family in Vancouver, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. They have also set up a Facebook page to solicit tips

An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday.

With files from Tina Lovgreen