Search for missing Britannia Beach man ends tragically

The search for the missing man in Britannia Beach has come to a tragic end.

According to the RCMP, the man who was missing from the region has been found dead.

Ryosuke Motoike, 43, had been missing since Jan. 8 and the police say they will not be providing more information at this time. However, no community members were ever at risk nor are they currently at risk, say the police.

“While this matter has generated conversation and speculation within the community, out of respect and privacy to the family and the man’s social network, police will not be releasing further information,” wrote Sea to Sky RCMP Cpl. Angela Kermer in a news release.

One of Motoike’s friends, local DJ Mat the Alien, whose full name is Mat Andrew, spoke with The Squamish Chief about the loss.

“It’s a big loss, it’s sad for sure,” said Andrew. “All of his friends really just can’t believe it.”

Andrew said he had met Motoike about 15 years ago, when Motoike would come out to support Andrew’s music performances and bring big groups of people with him.

“Everyone just loved him. He just spread really good vibes,” Andrew said.

One of Andrew’s fondest memories of Motoike was seeing him at music festivals he was performing at, like Bass Coast or Shambhala.

“You’d just look out and he’d always be at the front with a crew of people. They’d all have Bass Coast’s or my T-shirt that said, ‘Really good.’”

Andrew also said Motoike was really helpful after he had a mountain biking accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down.

“After I had my accident, he moved to the island for a while and really helped look after me there,” he said. “So that was amazing. Just one thing after another. Amazing, amazing guy.”

“Everyone from all across B.C. and everyone that met him just loved him.”

Police say they are thankful to the community and partners who helped search, called in tips and shared information across the community.