Search and Rescue stands down, but police "not giving up"
By Kyra Hoggan
An exhaustive search for 19-year-old Castlegar man Zach Larsen has been suspended as of 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, but police say they will continue to investigate his disappearance.
“The police are not giving up,” said Cpl. Deb Postnikoff. “Although the ground search has been suspended, the Castlegar RCMP investigators continue to work around the clock investigating the numerous leads/tips surrounding Larsen’s sudden disappearance.”
She said it’s encouraging that so many tips are still coming in, and hopes people with information will continue to come forward.
Larsen was last seen at 3 a.m. Sunday, and a massive search effort began the following day, but no clues were uncovered as to Larsen’s whereabouts.
“Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel are confident Larsen is not in the areas they have searched. They searched pretty much the entire city,” Postnikoff said. “Future searches are an option, should new information surface of Larsen’s possible whereabouts.”
As many as 100 volunteers showed up to help SAR teams Wednesday, while another 60 volunteers turned out Thursday to assist.
Postnikoff offered special thanks to the SAR teams from Castlegar, South Columbia, Grand Forks, Nelson, Creston and Rossland, Emergency Social Services, Red Cross, Trail and Castlegar Fire Departments, the volunteers and local businesses for their assistance and support.
Anyone with any factual information regarding Larsen’s disappearance or whereabouts is encouraged to call the Castlegar RCMP detachment at 250-365-7721.
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