Cape Breton Regional Police confirm the body recovered from Sydney Harbour is that of a 71-year-old man reported missing from a special care home.
Arthur Wells was last seen leaving the Breton Ability Centre around 9:30 p.m. Sunday and reported missing by staff when he failed to return.
Police responded to the Westmount area of the harbour around 11 a.m. Monday after a citizen spotted a body in the water.
Police say Wells’ body was recovered from the water and sent for an autopsy. The cause of death has not been released but police say they don’t suspect foul play.
According to the Breton Ability Centre website, the facility provides services and support to people with varying disabilities, including challenges due to severe developmental disabilities, mental health challenges and/or complicating physical disabilities.
The CEO of the facility says staff and residents are devastated by Wells' death.
"He was such a vibrant part of the centre. He was here for 10 years and, like I said, he's a member of our family. A piece of us is missing," says Millie Colbourne.
Colbourne says going for evening walks was part of Wells' daily routine and that most residents are allowed to come and go as they please.
