The search for 22-year-old Ben Le came to a heartbreaking end Wednesday after his body was recovered near Port Armstrong on Baranof Island, Alaska. Alaska State Troopers said Le had been missing since Monday after leaving the Port Armstrong hatchery for a hike and failing to return.

Le had reportedly left the hatchery Monday and was expected to return, but by approximately 4:30 p.m., concern grew when he had not come back. His colleagues began searching the surrounding area by land and boat, hoping to find him safe. As the search continued without success, Alaska State Troopers were contacted and a much larger search operation was launched.

The effort brought together numerous agencies and rescue teams, including the Alaska National Guard, Juneau Mountain Rescue, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, search-and-rescue teams, canine teams, the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies. Search crews worked across challenging terrain and conducted extensive ground and aerial searches in an effort to locate the missing young man.

Despite the difficult conditions, rescuers continued their efforts. On Wednesday, a National Guard helicopter crew finally located Le’s body in a gully at the base of a tall cliff.

The discovery brought an end to the search but delivered devastating news to those who had been hoping for his safe return.