The remains of a 48-year-old Tk’emlups man reported missing late last year have been found on the First Nation’s reserve — but police say there is no indication foul play was involved in the death.

Richard Jules was last seen at his Tk’emlups home on Nov. 23 and reported missing on Nov. 27.

 Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Jodi Shelkie said a resident found human remains on Salish Road on Feb. 1. She said police and the BC Coroners Service’s special investigation unit have identified those remains as being Jules.

“There is no evidence of criminality being involved in Richard’s death at this time,” Shelkie said, noting the BC Coroners Service is investigating to determine how, where, when and by what means Jules died.

Police, Kamloops Search and Rescue crews and residents undertook numerous searches for Jules, including the use of tracking dogs and drones, with no success.

Tk’emlups Chief Rosanne Casimir said the band is saddened to hear the news of Jules’ death.

She said Jules, known as Lil’ Rick, worked in Tk’emlups for many years, beginning in 1996 as a member of a seasonal landscaping crew and also as a security guard and in general building maintenance.

He completed his building maintenance worker certification in 2003 and helped with different building maintenance projects over the years.

“He was a funny, kind and valuable member of our work teams and our community,” Casimir said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his immediate family at this difficult time.”

Story courtesy of Kamloops This Week