UPDATE: Missing teen FOUND
By Kyra Hoggan
Missing 19-year-old Jessie Wright has been found, according to Castlegar RCMP Sgt. Laurel Mathew.
“Jessie was walking on the rail trail that runs between Castlegar and Grand Forks when he took a wrong trail and ended in the mountainous area north of Hwy 3, west of Nancy Greene,” Mathew said. “Search and Rescue had sledders out trying to locate footprints that had been spotted yesterday, and the RCMP helicopter was also out. The pilot was able to see where the foot prints left the trail and follow them to a small cabin. RCMP members were then flown to the cabin, and Jessie was located there.”
She said Jessie slept in the snow for the first three nights, wet and cold, and she attributes his survival to his youth and strength. On the final night, he came to the Christina Lake Snowmobile Club’s cabin, which had some food and a fireplace, so he was able to dry his clothes.
“He is exhausted, cold, hungry, and very stiff from walking through very deep snow for over three days, but it appears he will be fine. It was quite a happy reunion.”
“Once again, the Castlegar RCMP would like to give a huge thank you to the Castlegar Search and Rescue members. The way this group of volunteers comes together for such an event is inspiring. SAR members stopped everything they were doing for the last two days, and set up at the command post and did whatever they were tasked – from answering phones and questions, reading maps, to riding quads and sleds in rather rough terrain. Our community is very lucky to have this group.”
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A police helicopter has now joined the search for missing Castlegar teen Jessie Wright, according to RCMP Cpl. Debbie Postnikoff, who said police and Search & Rescue continue their focus along the TransCanada Trail between Castlegar and Grand Forks.
“We’re still following up tips and possible sightings from the public, too,” she said. “There are some positive leads – but if anyone sees or knows anything, please call us.”
Family member Rebekkah Dejong posted on the Castlegar Source’s Facebook page this morning, indicating there’s some concern that Wright may have been picked up hitchiking.
“Family have reason to believe he may have been hitchhiking between here and Grand Forks,” she wrote. “At this point, we need the larger community to be aware, as we are unsure if someone may have picked him up. AGAIN: Jessie Wright: six-foot-two, shaved head with blonde hair, last seen with grey denim jacket and a white hoodie underneath, jeans, and new work boots.”
Wright was last seen leaving Tim Horton’s in Castlegar at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 16.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Castlegar RCMP at 250-365-7721.
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