The family of Delaine Copenace is thanking the community for their support, following the discovery of the teenager’s remains Tuesday morning in Kenora.
Kenora OPP said they received a report of suspected human remains in Lake of the Woods near the end of Water Street in Kenora, shortly after 8 a.m.
Early Tuesday afternoon, Ontario Provincial Police identified the remains as 16-year-old Delaine Copenace.
The remains were discovered by City of Kenora employees.
Officers said the investigation is ongoing, and the forensic identification unit is assisting. The coroner attended the scene and a post mortem examination has been ordered.
Tuesday afternoon, a statement was issued on behalf of the family:
“The family of Delaine Copenace would like to thank everyone for the continuous support and prayers. At this time, Delaine’s loved ones are asking that their privacy be respected as they take some time together to grieve the devastating loss of their daughter, sister and granddaughter and friend."
The family had worked closely with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection after Copenace went missing Feb. 27. The organization offered its condolences in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
"(CCCP) would like to offer its sincerest condolences to the Copenace and Ross families for their loss of Delaine. Our thoughts are with them, their friends and community today," the statement read.
The national missing children and response centre assisted Copenace's parents, Anida and Tony, along with law enforcement on the case.
"Our heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone who assisted in the search for Delaine," the statement said. “The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) worked tirelessly in their efforts and the investigation continues."
Any information on the case can be provided to OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
