Missing Kenora teen Azraya Kokopenace found dead: OPP
Police say the 14-year-old's remains were found near Lake of the Woods District Hospital
A missing 14-year-old from Kenora, Ont., has been found dead, Ontario Provincial Police confirmed late Sunday. Foul play is not suspected.
Police said Azraya Kokopenace's body was found close to where she was last seen — leaving the Lake of the Woods District Hospital at 11:20 p.m. on Friday.
According to police, she was seen going into a wooded area across from the hospital on Lakeview Drive.
The OPP, the Northwest Region Emergency Response Team and a police canine unit had searched the area, but her remains were discovered by the Bear Clan, a volunteer search-and-rescue group based in Winnipeg.
Additional resources called in
Earlier on Sunday, Const. Ronni Grosenick told CBC News that the terrain where the teen was last spotted includes dense vegetation, bush trails and water.
Additional police units, a helicopter and a dive team were slated to join the search. "Because of the geography and the wooded area, all of these resources have been accessed and are brought in to assist," Grosenick said.
Speaking before Azraya's body was found, relative Judi Kokopenace said not knowing the 14-year-old's whereabouts was "painful."
"[There are] people talking about it on the streets," she said. "I told [the police] I would keep my ears open and my eyes open to find her to make sure she's safe.
"I want to help out because she's my relative … Hoping we can find her alive."