Tragic end of massive search for 15-year-old Squamish missing | The Canadian News

A multi-day search for a missing 15-year-old Squamish ended in tragedy, authorities said Saturday.

Squamish RCMP said Richie Stelmack’s body was located Saturday morning in the Mashiter area of ​​the Garabaldi Highlands.

Authorities have not said how Stelmack ended up in the area. On Friday, search teams said it was still unclear why he had left his home or where he was going.

Police say there was no evidence of foul play, and that the RCMP and BC Coroners Service would complete an investigation.

“Squamish Fire, Squamish RCMP, Squamish and Search and Rescue first send thoughts to Richie’s family, our hearts go out to them,” said RCMP Sgt. Sascha Banks said in a press release.

“We would also like to acknowledge all the support and assistance from the Squamish community and the surrounding area, along with the media who ensured that everything possible was done to find Richie. They have been very hard and difficult days and this has not been the end we expected. One thing I know Squamish will do in the days and weeks to come is that we will be joining Richie family, friends and members of our community. “

Stelmack was last seen sleeping Tuesday night around 10 p.m. at his family’s home in Garibaldi Highlands.

Her disappearance sparked a massive search effort, including a door-to-door urban search on Friday involving more than 800 community volunteers.

That search helped crews narrow efforts to several more technical areas, including canyons and rivers, where specialized teams were deployed on Saturday.

Emergency crews were expected to be in the Mashiter area around the clock, and drivers were advised to avoid The Boulevard and expect delays.

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