Manitoba

Searchers find body of man, 24, missing from Dauphin's Countryfest

Danny Kidane's body has been found in a creek near the festival site, according to RCMP, who say an autopsy has been scheduled while the investigation continues.

'I lost my guardian angel, my rock': Danny Kidane's brother Haben

Danny Kidane went missing at Dauphin's Countryfest over the weekend. The search for the 24-year-old Winnipeg man ended Tuesday, his brother said. (Submitted)

Searchers have recovered the body of a 24-year-old Winnipeg man who went missing from Dauphin's Countryfest on the weekend.

Danny Kidane's body was found in a creek near the festival site, according to RCMP, who say an autopsy has been scheduled while  the investigation continues.

The creek has always been a popular spot for people wanting to cool down during the festival, according to people in the area.

Kidane had last been seen around 3 p.m. Saturday in the campground at the popular music festival, which wrapped up on Sunday. Festival organizers displayed Kidane's picture on screens at the main stage Sunday night and on-stage MCs announced that he was missing.

Today is officially the worst day of my life.- Haben Kidane, brother of  Danny Kikdane

A team of 50 professionals, including RCMP, search and rescue and the Office of the Fire Commissioner were out Tuesday searching for Kidane.

His brother, Haben Kidane, was first to confirm that the search efforts had ended in tragedy.

"Today is officially the worst day of my life," Haben posted on Facebook Tuesday evening. "I lost my [guardian] angel, my rock, my little brother."

He deferred to his Facebook post when contacted by CBC, saying the family wanted privacy.

"Tell your family how much you love them because you never know when they might leave you," he wrote.

"Keep watch over us from up there ... I never said it enough, I love you ... RIP lil bro."
A team of 50 professionals, including RCMP, search and rescue and the Office of the Fire Commissioner were out Tuesday searching for Kidane. (Riley Laychuk/CBC)

This is the first time there has been an extensive search at the festival site located about 250 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, said promoter and producer Rob Waloschuk.

"Obviously we're all concerned and we all treat everybody like family and we try to make it as safe environment as best we can. So it's impactful for sure," he said in an interview with CBC's Radio Noon.

RCMP could not provide more information on Tuesday evening.

With files from Pat Kaniuga