The family and friends of overdue hiker Tyler Wright have taken to the skies in a rented helicopter in a desperate attempt to find the beloved 35-year-old.
Wright set out on a five-day solo hike from Squamish to Coquitlam nearly two weeks ago. A massive search effort began on Wednesday, two days after he was expected to return.
Alan Bedingfield, a former roommate of Wright's, said he has faith that his friend is safe, but will do what it takes to make sure he is found.
"Friends and family have got a helicopter that we've been using to get up there, and stay out of the way of Search and Rescue but aid where we can," he said.
"I know that he knows that we're out here doing everything we can."
They are paying for the helicopter out of their own pocket, Bedingfield said. Anyone who wants to donate to help cover the costs can do so at the Missing Tyler Wright website.
Mounties, search teams, sniffer dogs, and helicopters have been scouring treacherous terrain all week, but have found little sign of Wright.
On Saturday, searchers discovered distinctive footprints on a trail that they are certain belong to Wright, and an area where he may have spent the night.
Authorities say he took enough food for four or five days, but does not have a map or a compass with him.
Bedingfield asked anyone going hiking in the area to keep an eye out for his friend.
Overdue and lost hikers are a common occurrence in B.C.'s Sea-to-Sky region, where terrain and weather can change quickly.
North Shore Rescue helped pluck a stranded 68-year-old hiker from a creek bed early Thursday above Lions Bay, north of Horseshoe Bay.
The man had been stuck in a gully overnight.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Maria Weisgarber
