The BC Coroners Service says remains found in Lake Cowichan late last year are those of a hiker who went missing more than a decade ago.
The remains found on Dec. 22, 2017 have been identified as Darreld Stanley Rayner, a Lake Cowichan resident who was last seen walking his dog along a logging road in May 2007.
Rayner's dog and coffee cup were later discovered by search and rescue crews, but his body was never found in the months-long search.
The remains were found near South Shore Road in a "steep and secluded" area that required a coordinated effort from search and rescue members and RCMP.
DNA testing has since confirmed the remains are Rayner's.
Rayner, an outdoor enthusiast who family said knew the area very well, was 52 years old at the time he went missing.
The BC Coroners Service said an investigation is ongoing.
