The remains of a missing Penticton resident whose wife survived for seven weeks in the Nevada wilderness after the couple got lost have been found.

Albert Chretien went for help a year and a half ago when their van got stuck in the mud.

Det. Dennis Journigan of the Elko County Sheriff's Department says Chretien's remains were discovered Saturday by two elk hunters in a secluded area of Merritt Mountain, about 11 kilometres west from where he set off.

Journigan says the remains were intact and hadn't been scattered by animals.

Rita Chretien stayed with the couple's van and was found on the verge of starvation 49 days after her husband went for help.

She survived on trail mix, hard candy and melted snow and has told church groups her Christian faith kept her going.

A press conference will be held in Penticton as the Chretien family addresses the discovery of Albert's body and the closure of the tragic case.

Elko County Sheriff's Office have released this video on the recovery of Albert Chretien's remains.

Anita Sthankiya -Penticton