Human remains discovered north of Whistler Village last fall belonged to a Coquitlam man who went missing in 2022, Pique has learned.
Jonathan White, 35, spent the Victoria Day long weekend in the resort that year, and was last seen May 22, 2022, walking northeast on Blackcomb Way.
He was reported missing by a family member May 25. Despite an extensive search of the area that included land and water search teams, search and rescue and even human-remain-detecting dogs, no sign of White was found.
More than two years later, on Oct. 8, 2024, a person walking in the forest near Mons Road found a human skull, with White's identification and the clothes he was wearing when he went missing nearby. Though officials were able to confirm his identity by comparing DNA with a family member, no other remains or indications of how he died were found.
According to a coroner's report released July 31, toxicological testing was not possible due to the length of time that had passed, and a limited examination by an anthropologist "did not find any trauma that could indicate a cause of death."
Though the report redacted his identity, Pique can confirm the remains belonged to White.
An investigation revealed White had been struggling with depression, but "he did not exhibit any overt signs of suicidal ideation, and did not leave any indication that he intended to take his own life," wrote coroner Laura Yazedjian in her report. "He was a regular user of alcohol, but did not have any history of unregulated substance use."
And while White had not seen a doctor in many years, he did not have any documented history of natural illness.
"Police investigation did not reveal any indication of foul play," Yazedjian wrote in her report.
"After a full investigation and consideration of all available information, there is insufficient evidence to classify this death as natural, accidental or suicide. I classify this death as undetermined and make no recommendations."
