UPDATE: Missing BC man found dead with his loyal pitbull sitting off leash by his side

(UPDATE: Sept. 3 @ 4:50 pm) - The search for a BC man who went missing after leaving his home in Wilmer to walk his pitbull cross Rusty on Wednesday morning has ended in tragedy.

Today at 1:10 pm, an officer in the RCMP's fixed wing aircraft that was searching for Martin Baker spotted his body near Wilmer Lake.

When they reached his body on foot, they found a loyal Rusty at Baker's side, despite being off leash.

Police say the dog was in good spirits and good health.

"Police do not believe that criminality was involved in Martin's sudden death," said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. "We extend our sincerest condolences to Mr. Baker’s family during this difficult time."

The RCMP has notified the BC Coroners Service, who has now launched an independent and concurrent fact finding investigation into Baker's sudden passing.

(Original story: Sept. 3 @ 10:20 am) - Authorities are searching for a man in the Columbia Valley after he went missing with his dog yesterday morning.

According to police, Martin Baker, a resident of Wilmer, was last seen at 8 am on Sept. 2 when he left his home with his dog, Rusty.

Although he doesn't usually travel on a set route, police were told he always returns from walks within an hour.

The police were contacted just after 3 pm, when the pair had still not returned.

“Police are very concerned for Martin’s health and well-being and the well-being of his dog, as friends and family report that it is out of character for him to be out of contact for so long,” police said.

RCMP has activated Columbia Valley Search and Rescue, a command post was established and a search commenced throughout the evening.

The search, which included mutual aid support from Cranbrook SAR and Kimberely SAR, is set to resume this morning.

Investigators are probing a possible sighting of a dog near Bruce Creek Forest Service Road.

Area residents are urged to report any possible further sightings of Rusty, described as a pitbull cross.

Description of Martin Baker:

• Caucasian male;
• 55 years;
• 5 ft 6 in (168 cm);
• 141 lbs (64 kg);
• brown hair;
• blue eyes;

He was last seen wearing a pair of blue jeans and a dark coloured baseball cap and glasses.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Baker or Rusty is urged to contact the Columbia Valley RCMP 250-342-9292 or their local police.