The body of a man who disappeared into the Yukon River last week after attempting to save his son was discovered Thursday afternoon.

The report came into Whitehorse RCMP at 2:10 p.m., after recreational boaters found the body partially submerged in a section of river, close to an island, across from the Wal-Mart entrance off Quartz Road, Cpl. Grant MacDonald said today.

The body has been identified as Benjamin (Benji) Loren Correos, 45.

Correos family spokeswoman Joanne Green said this morning while there is obviously sadness for family and friends, the discovery also brings some relief and closure for the family.

'They're relieved Benji was found,' she said.

The Correos and some other families were out for a walk along the Millennium Trail last week when Benji and Josie's seven-year-old son Myles fell into the river. While both parents went out to save him, Josie was stopped by rocks.

Benji was able to grab hold of Myles and keep the boy's head above water, but couldn't get out of the extremely fast-moving current.

Two other men in the area jumped in and managed to get Myles out but were unable to grab hold of Benji.

RCMP and Search and Rescue personnel had continued their search by plane and boat through the week until they were called yesterday.

'We were still engaged in the search,' MacDonald said.

Yukon coroner Sharon Hanley said she is not ordering an autopsy because the cause of death has been determined as drowning with a number of people witnessing the attempted rescue.

The family greatly appreciates all the support and help they've received from the entire Whitehorse community since last week's tragedy, Green stressed this morning.

Funeral plans were being arranged today.