'He left a legacy': Chief says community is in mourning for Nelson House teacher found dead

The community of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation is in mourning after the body of missing teacherDavid MacDonald, 51, was recovered from a nearby lake on Sunday, according to Chief Marcel Moody.

"People look at it with mixed emotions:happy that the body was recovered, but sad that we basically confirmed what our suspicions were, that his body might be underwater," Moody said Sunday.

"People are devastated and pretty shocked."

MacDonald disappeared on Dec. 1. He was believed to be on his way to a cabin on Osik Lake, about 45 minutes away by snowmobile.

• Nelson House teacher disappearance 'devastating' for family friends

'Profound impact' on students

Around 2:30 p.m. Sunday,Nelson HouseRCMPlocated his body in the lakewith the help of the Cross Lake Community Fire Department, saidRCMPspokesman RobertCyrenne.

The preliminary investigation determined he broke through ice while on his snowmobile, Cyrenne said.

Moody said MacDonald will be deeply missed by his many friends in the community and the kids he taught in the decade he lived there.

"He was well-respected, he provided tremendous leadership in the community especially for our kids in the outdoor ed program," Moody said.

Classeswill be cancelled on Monday to give kids a chance to mourn, but Moody said the school will remain open so they can access counselling services there or just come in to talk.

"Hopefully the community, especially the children, can cope with what's happening, because he had a tremendous impact, profound impact on our kids," Moody said.

"Hopefully they can cope that's who I worry about the most."

MacDonald's body will be sent back to family on the East Coast, Moody said, but not before a community service in his honour.