The family and friends of a missing Fredericton man had their worst fears confirmed today after the body of 25-year-old Michael John Lyons was found this morning.
"At approximately 10:23 hours this morning, Fredericton Communication Centre received a call from a boater on the St. John River of a possible sighting of a body," confirms Const. Danielle Carmichael. "As a result of that call, members from the police and fire marine units attended the scene and assisted with the recovery of that body."
Several hours later, police and a family spokesperson confirmed the body was that of Lyons, who was reported missing last week.
Nathalie Pire-Sappier has been speaking on behalf of the Lyons family since Michael disappeared and she says his family is distraught with the news.
"But their relief in knowing that he has been found and can rest in peace is what's getting them through this right now," she says.
Lyonswas last seen around 4 p.m. Wednesday near the city's exhibition grounds on Saunders Street and his family reported him missing Thursday.
His family and friends helped police in their search along the banks of the St. John River on the weekend and today Lyons' family thanked those who joined in that search.
They also want people to know how they would like him to be remembered.
‘On the exterior Michael was such as happy-go-lucky guy," says Pire-Sappier. "Everybody loved him. He always had a smile on his face, always said hi to everyone, very well-loved by the community."
Police say foul play isn't suspected and that an autopsy will be performed.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Nick Moore
