On Dec. 19 Sidney North Saanich RCMP received reports of a human body discovered washed up on Sidney Island.
RCMP say the man was identified as a missing person from Hansville, Washington State and media outlets there are reporting the man to be Brandon Lee Blanford, who was last seen by his family Dec. 11 when he left from his home for a walk.
After not returning home, Blanford's parents notified the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office who subsequently opened a missing persons investigation. According to reports, Blanford had a history of despondency.
Police say an air and water search was conducted in the days following the man's disappearance but nothing was turned up except for the coat and cell phone he had in his possession. Blanford, 36, was identified through his fingerprints.
On Dec. 19, two men beachcombing on Jackspring Beach on Sidney Island found Blanford's body washed up on the beach, according to the B.C. Coroner's Service.
The B.C. Coroners Service and RCMP, in conjunction with U.S. authorities, are continuing to investigate this case.
Blanford's family has been made aware of his death.