** UPDATE 7:18 p.m. March 26

Transcript of Statement by RCMP Sgt. Bert Paquet:

“Earlier today a family, a community and a province’s worst nightmare became a reality. Shortly after 1:00 this afternoon the body of Chase Martens was found in a creek in a body of water. Chase was found by a group of Winnipeg search and rescue volunteers – found in what they call a high probability area. This area had been searched before but was constantly being revisited as conditions of the creek as well as some of the water levels changed from day to day. Again, shortly after 1:00 this afternoon the body of Chase was found. There were no obvious signs of foul play. This appears to be exactly what we all thought it was – a tragedy."

“Our investigation now will focus on working with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. I‘d like to thank a lot of people, as we have done so throughout the week. Obviously, the office of the fire commissioner—their expertise, their resources were key in the search efforts that went for the last five days. I would like to thank citizens across Canada whose message on social media never stopped, were always positive and hopeful, and certainly a great motivator for searchers and officers involved in this case."

“I would estimate that about 30,000 volunteer hours were donated this week – the majority of them by people who were total strangers to the Martens family.  The true genuine care and concern of Manitobans is something that should be recognized and commended. I know a family – a community – thank you for the size of your collective heart.” 

** UPDATE 6:56 p.m. March 26

RCMP sergeant Bert Paquet announced today at 5:30 p.m., on location north of Austin, that shortly after 1:00 p.m. this afternoon Chase Martens' body found by a Winnipeg group of rescue and search volunteers in a high probability area. He was found in a creek, in a body of water, ½ km south of the residence. The volunteers will also receive support over the ordeal. He adds the location was searched before, but was revisited as conditions of the creek, as well as water levels, changed from day to day. Paquet says no obvious signs of foul play were found, and it appears to be what they thought it was – a tragedy.  Paquet says they will now focus on work with the Office of the Chief Examiner for the autopsy.

Paquet notes RCMP especially thanks the Office of the Fire Commissioner for their expertise and resources that was key in the search efforts. Paquet thanks citizens over the country whose messages on social media never stopped and were always hopeful, and an encouragement to those searching. He said it is estimated that 30,000 volunteer hours were donated this week. 

Paquet adds true genuine care and concern of Manitobans is recognized and commended. He thanks the community for the size of their collective heart.




**UPDATE 6:41 pm March 26

It was sad news today as the RCMP confirmed Chase Marten's body was found in a creek near the home, after having been missing since Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m..

Details to follow.

 

**UPDATE 5 pm March 26

A tragic end to a four day search for 2 year old Chase Martens, north of Austin.

The RCMP have confirmed his body was found today.

So far, we have no further details.

A news conference has been called at the search site for 5:30 this afternoon.

We'll have more as information becomes available.