The red-headed youth's body was found about 60 feet, from the water by Bertin Dionne, 16, and Roger Dubay, 15, at 3 o'clock.
County Medical Examiner, Dr. O'Neil Labbe of Van Buren attributed cause of death to drowning. He was assisted at the scene by Dr. P. C. Laporte of Edmundston.
McKay, son of Mr. and Mrs. Don McKay of Crousville, had been missing and presumed drowned at Big Black Rapids, 114 miles up stream from the spot his body was discovered, he disappeared June 16 after he tumbled from a ledge while he and a fishing companion were walking their canoe down along the rain-swollen rapids.
McKay's father had offered a $500 reward for locating his son after several search attempts in the remote wilderness region of the winding river halted because of the river's rain-choked-condition.
Assisting at the scene, half way between Van Buren and Grand Falls, N.B., were RCMP Constables Charles Roy and Richard MacIlroy.
ROBERT DANA McKAY
PRESQUE ISLE, Aug. 9 -- Robert Dana McKay, 23, of Presque Isle drowned June 16 at Big Black Rapids on the St. John River. His body was recovered 114 miles downstream from the spot where he was drowned, near Van Buren.
Mr. McKay was born in Presque Isle May 2, 1936, the son of Donald and Ferne (Perkins) McKay. He was a member of the Maine National Guard.
Surviving besides his parents are a sister, Mrs. Beverley Howes of Mapleton; his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Perkins of Searsport; his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Olive McKay of Worcester; Mass., several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services and Interment will be conducted at the family lot, Crouseville Cemetery, Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
The Rev. Ralph Jordan, pastor of the State Road Advent Christian church will officiate.