Teen hiker found dead on Mantario Trail after setting off satellite distress beacon

The body of a dead teenage hiker was discovered Friday on the Mantario Trail near the Manitoba-Ontario border, RCMP reported.

Mounties found the body of an18-year-old male from East St. Paul Friday evening in the Whiteshell region after receiving a call for help from someone hiking in the area.

The teenager, who was hiking the 63-kilometre-long route had sought help using a satellite distress signalat about 4p.m., Falcon Lake RCMPsaid.

Investigators determined the young hiker had been dropped off with supplies at the southern trailhead near Caddy Lake earlier that morning.

A search team headed toward the remote location to try to find the distressed hiker.

By the time they found him,it was too late.

A helicopter that was already flying in the area spotted the teen at about 6 p.m. but was unable to land due to tricky terrain. Thepilot noted the male was not moving, police said.

Falcon Lake RCMP, emergency medical services, Manitoba Sustainable Development and the Southeast Whiteshell Fire Department joined in on the search.

Searchers recovered the body fromthe east side of Marion Lake shortly before 8 p.m.

RCMP have not released any details about the cause of death or the state of the body.

Last summer, the trail had been temporarily closed after a hikerwas bitten by a bear.

An autopsy has been scheduled, RCMP said.

The investigation continues.