The body of Israeli-Ukrainian citizen Ilya Rachitsky, 65, was recovered in Whistler, Canada on Friday after going missing on a hiking trail in late June.

Rachitsky, a loving father and husband, was set to return to his home in Ofakim, Israel, after visiting family in the Vancouver area in June. Following the outbreak of the Israel-Iran War, Rachitsky’s flight was canceled,  extending his stay in Canada

His family told local authorities that he left for a hike on a marked trail over the Cheakamus River, toward Whistler’s MacLaurin’s Crossing, on a path he had taken many times before.

His clothes and belongings were found on the side of the river, though he was nowhere to be found.

In recent days, a passerby had seen a body floating in the water, leading rescue crews to recover the body, concluding a month-long search.

65-year-old Israeli citizen Ilya Rachitsky has been missing since Tuesday, launching a search and rescue effort nearly a week ago
65-year-old Israeli citizen Ilya Rachitsky has been missing since Tuesday, launching a search and rescue effort nearly a week ago (credit: Facebook via Irina Andreeva)

According to Israeli media, his family has decided to bury Rachitsky in Canada.

This is a developing story.