RCMP – A deceased male was recovered in the Bow River east of Calgary on July 5, 2014. The deceased has been positively identified as Justin MACNEIL of Calgary, Alberta, age 19 years. MACNEIL was previously reported missing on June 22, 2014, while swimming in the Highwood River near Nature’s Hideaway Campground.
Previous Release from June 23, 2014
Missing on the Highwood River
In the early evening of the 22nd of June 2014, a 19 year old man and four of his friends were in the NW Okotoks Detachment area at Nature’s Hideaway. The group were on the Highwood River bank located near the Bow River. The male at that time, identified as Justin MACNEIL, went into the river for a swim. He was immediately caught in the strong current and swept downstream. His friends called 911 at 7:15 pm.
Okotoks and Turner Valley RCMP officers, Okotoks and Foothills Fire Departments responded with boats to search the river, its banks and surrounding area. Calgary Police Service HAWCS attended as well and extensive patrols were made of the area as well as 10 kms downstream. Efforts at this time have brought negative results.
The river is high due to recent rains, it is fast moving, cold and filled with silt and debris. Police are cautioning the public to take care near the river banks.