Facebook/Find Ben Kilmer
Forty-one-year-old Ben Kilmer’s body was found Oct. 17, 2018, in a remote area of Duncan. Kilmer had been missing since May 16., 2018.
The BC Coroners Service confirmed Monday that its investigation has determined the cause of Ben Kilmer’s death was suicide.
Kilmer was reported missing after on May 16, 2018, after North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP received a report of an unattended van that was parked and left running on a residential road. Police discovered the vehicle was registered to Ben Kilmer, 41.
Despite a massive search effort, Kilmer was not found until Oct. 17, 2018. A hiker discovered his body in a remote area of Duncan, approximately seven kilometres from where his van had been discovered.
An initial police search of Kilmer’s van found blood spatter that was matched to Kilmer. The coroner determined that blood found inside Kilmer’s van came from “an injury that was unrelated to both Kilmer’s disappearance and death,” and that there was no evidence of foul play or accident.
Kilmer is survived by his wife and two children.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis, here are some resources:
- 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433): for individuals who are or know someone who is having thoughts of suicide. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and in up to 140 languages. Operated in partnership with Crisis Line Association of BC.
- Seniors Distress Line: seniors in British Columbia can call 604-872-1234 for telephone support from a trained volunteer at the Crisis Centre on topics specific to older adults. Topics may include suicide, retirement, stress, relocation, loss of a loved one, physical or mental health issues, emotional support, or help working through a problem. The Seniors Distress Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and in up to 140 languages.
- Youth in BC: online crisis service for youth (up to 25 years of age) to chat 1-on-1 with a trained volunteer from the Crisis Centre. A range of topics can be discussed such as suicide, sexuality, depression, stress, and relationships. Youth in BC online chat is available from noon to 1 a.m. daily.
- Crisis Centre Chat: online crisis service for adults (older than 25 years) to chat 1-on-1 with a trained volunteer from the Crisis Centre. A range of topics can be discussed such as suicide, mental illness, stress, physical health, work, relationship conflicts, parenting, caregiving, and other family issues. Crisis Centre Chat is available from noon to 1 a.m. daily.
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