Body of Rémy Nolet, missing canoeist, recovered from Chambly Basin

The body of Rémy Nolet, a 19-year-old man who sacrificed his life to save his best friend when their canoe capsized two weeks ago, was recovered from the water Monday afternoon after three fisherman discovered it. 

• Quebec canoeist recalls near-drowning and heroism of her missing friend
• Chambly canoe accident leaves 19-year-old man missing

He was a good kid, and I was proud of him before, and now I'm even prouder. He's my hero.- Bobby Nolet, father of Rémy Nolet

Nolet's father, Bobby, confirmed it was his son. Investigators later formally identified the body, said Chief Insp. Yanic Parent of the Richelieu-St-Laurent regional police.

Bobby Nolet said he was relieved the search was over and he finally had some closure. He said he admired him for the selfless act that cost him his life. 

"He was a good kid, and I was proud of him before, and now I'm even prouder. He's my hero," he said. 

"A lot of people say they would do it, but my son did it. "

A team of volunteers using boats and scuba divers had been searching for Nolet over the long weekend after police were unable to find his body last week.

Nolet was canoeing on Monday, May 4, with 17-year-old Catherine Desautels when they capsized and fell into the frigid waters. 

They only managed to hold on to one of their life jackets, and Desautels says Nolet insisted that she take it.

While Desautels tried to keep hold of her friend, the waves and strong current eventually carried him away.

Parent said the case was a difficult one for the police officers and fire fighters involved in the search.

"It's very special," he said.

"In my 20 years as a police officer, I don't remember a case like that."