Body found in North Saskatchewan River confirmed as swimmer who went missing July 16
Posted July 27, 2023 3:48 pm.
Last Updated July 27, 2023 4:28 pm.
A man who was reported missing last week while swimming in the North Saskatchewan River has been found dead.
Mounties in Devon and Parkland, along with the Edmonton Fire Rescue Service, were initially called to the river on Sunday, July 16.
This came after reports of a 20-year-old, who was later identified as Austin Richmond Laporte, was swept away.
On July 22, RCMP in Parkland were informed that the Edmonton Fire Rescue Service had recovered a body in the Windermere area of Edmonton, but note at the time they were unable to confirm if it was Laporte.
Following an autopsy, the Chief Medical Examiner was able to confirm the identity of the body, and July 27, Parkland RCMP were notified that it was Laporte.
“Our condolences go out to Austin’s family and friends,” said Parkland RCMP in a statement. “The RCMP thanks those individuals and organizations that assisted with the search for Austin.”
