Missing 85 year-old male located deceased in Columbia Valley
By Nelson Daily Staff
On Tuesday, Sept. 20 at approximately 6:30 pm, Columbia Valley Detachment responded to a report of an 85 year-old male from Invermere who was overdue from a trip into the Jumbo Creek area.
He drove to the area with his pick up truck to obtain firewood and hunt if the opportunity came up. The male was to have returned home at 2 pm. When he failed to return, a family member attempted to search for him prior to contacting police for assistance.
Although 85 years of age, the male was described to be in good physical condition and often made similar excursions in the back country.
Invermere Search and Rescue were activated and an immediate search was conducted with no results.
At early light on Wednesday, Sept. 21 Search and Rescue personnel from Invermere, Golden and Kimberley continued the search along with members of the Detachment utilizing quads.
RCMP helicopter from Kamloops was dispatched to the area and volunteers with CASAR who fly and work hand in hand with Search and Rescue also assisted in the search efforts.
A CASAR pilot spotted a white overturned vehicle and was able to provide direction for police and Search and Rescue to attend. Rescue personnel were able to drive on a dirt road to the vehicle location, however, the final resting place of the vehicle was a distance from the road.
The RCMP helicopter was also able to land in the area to provide assistance.
The 85 year old male was located outside of his vehicle and determined to be deceased. The Coroners office was contacted and at this time will be continuing the investigation to determine the cause of death.
Columbia Valley Detachment will assist the Coroners office.
