BOWDOINHAM – The body of Maine artist Bryce Muir was found in the Catchance River on Thursday a day after he fell through the ice while skating there.

State police divers and Marine Patrol crews recovered the 59-year-old artist and toy maker about 11:20 a.m.

Bryce Muir was last seen Wednesday afternoon near the River Bend smelt camps. His hat and gloves were found at the edge of a hole in the ice that he had fallen through, investigators said.

Muir was an avid skater who was familiar with the river. There was an estimated 4 to 6 inches of ice near the shore, but the ice was much thinner in the area near the channel where he broke through.

Police said several people had talked with Muir as he was warming up inside one of the shacks. Moments later, those people spotted a hole in the ice, and there was no sign of Muir.

At first light Thursday, Marine Patrol crews began searching for the body. They were aided by the State Police divers and a Department of Inland Fisheries boat.

Muir lived in Bowdoinham and was well known for his art, toy making and writing. His work was frequently displayed at local galleries but was known worldwide.