A GoFundMe campaign for the family of a missing Vancouver Island man whose remains were found last week has reached more than half its goal, raising $2,290 in the 23 hours since it first went live.

Ben Kilmer, a Cobble Hill husband and father of two, was first reported missing May 16, spurning search efforts that went Island-wide.

A hiker came across his remains Oct. 17 in a remote area of Duncan near the Chemainus River.

Confirming the news in a release Wednesday, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP have ruled out foul play and no further details have been released.

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The GoFundMe, created by Ryan Corry of the Cowichan Valley, is to establish an education fund for KilmerB次元官网网址檚 young son and daughter.

B次元官网网址淏en was a determined provider for his family, caring for their needs above all else,B次元官网网址� it reads on the fundraising page. B次元官网网址淗e was particularly dedicated toward building a bright future for his two children by ensuring regular contributions toward their education.B次元官网网址�

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The Kilmer family also released a statement Wednesday, saying;

B次元官网网址淲e are heartbroken to confirm that our beloved Ben Kilmer was found on October 17, 2018, in a remote area of Duncan, British Columbia.

Since May 16, 2018, we as a community have searched and prayed for BenB次元官网网址檚 safe return. We want to express our gratitude now for the immense love and support from across Vancouver Island by the Province of British Columbia and well beyond those borders.

B次元官网网址淎s we take this time away from the public eye to grieve, we ask for privacy and respect from the media and the general public. It is our sincere wish that this be honoured.B次元官网网址�

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