A body was discovered by joggers at the base of Mount Hays on Friday morning.
Prince Rupert RCMP and emergency crews were called to the scene at 10:30 a.m. where they located the deceased adult male at the end of Wantage Road approximately 500 metres west of the public works yard.
“We have no reason to believe the public is in any danger,” said RCMP Staff Sgt. Brian Donaldson.
After conducting interviews with a number of witnesses, Donaldson said the police believe the death occurred some time within the last 24 hours. The BC Coroners Service is now taking the lead on the investigation.
“We’re still treating it as suspicious mainly because of the early stages,” he said. Once the autopsy is complete, the police can rule out suspicion, but at this point, Donaldson said there is no cause for concern.
The RCMP believe they have identified the male and they are in the process of notifying next of kin.
The BC Coroners Service will now determine the circumstances surrounding the death, stated the RCMP press release.