Rescue teams expect huge volunteer turnout in search for missing Squamish teen
As many as 1,000 people are expected to join the search for missing Squamish teen Richie Stelmack on Friday.
The 15-year-old has not been seen since 10 p.m. on Tuesday when his family says he went to bed.
They reported him missing when he was not in the family home on The Crescent, near University Boulevard, Wednesday morning.
Led by Squamish Search and Rescue, the massive effort to find the boy includes other SAR teams from across southwest B.C., the RCMP and a number of community groups.
“We don’t even have a clear indication of which way he went. So this is an important part of our SAR operation here,” said BJ Chute, a search manager with Squamish SAR. “It allows us to search a huge area, all of the neighbourhood and houses, in a relatively short period of time.”
Sniffer dogs from the RCMP and SAR groups are being used so search managers are asking volunteers from the public to leave their animals at home.
A command post has been set up in the parking lot near the soccer field at Quest University and anyone in the community who wants to help is being asked to report to that location for an assignment.
According to Chute, Stelmack lives with severe social anxiety.
Chute said it’s not clear why he left his home, but it is possible he is scared and hiding somewhere.
“Obviously we’re very concerned for Richie’s well-being, for his safety,” Chute said. “He has been outside for a couple of days now and we believe he is not dressed for the weather.”
Everyone in Squamish is being asked to carefully search their properties, including any outbuildings and vehicles where the boy might have sought shelter.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Atlanta Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, secure No. 1 overall pick
The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA draft lottery on Sunday, landing the No. 1 pick and a potential cornerstone player in a year where there’s no clear-cut choice.