As of press time Tuesday afternoon a massive search was still underway by numerous volunteers, RCMP and Search and Rescue (SAR) members for 72-year-old Roy Lampreau of Chu Chua.
Police report that on Monday, May 16, at 7:45 p.m. they received a report that Lampreau was missing. Information provided to them was that the man had left his residence at 6:00 a.m. that morning to cut firewood at no specified location and he had not returned home.
Kamloops Search and Rescue representative Alan Hobler reported early Monday that SAR volunteers from Wells Gray and Barriere had been out searching through the evening with his team taking over the search at 3 a.m.
“The local community has had 50 members out searching for at least 18 hours, and a minimum of 25 teams out searching continuously,” said Hobler.
Speculation is that Lampreau may have run out of gas, become stuck in mud with his vehicle, or had a mechanical problem.
RCMP and family are concerned for Lampreau’s wellbeing as he is diabetic and suffers from high blood pressure, for which he requires medication.
Teams have been scouring backroads throughout the area from Adams Lake through Little Fort, and were now moving some teams to Bonaparte Lake.
Hobler also reported SAR efforts were continuing strong on Tuesday with assistance from two Provincial Emergency Preparedness airplanes. At noon an RCMP helicopter had joined in the search, as well as teams from 100 Mile House, Merritt and Logan Lake. The total number of searchers out at that point had reached 70.
Lampreau is believed to be driving a 1991 white Chevrolet pickup truck with B.C. licence plate CA-5902. He is a First Nations man who is 5’8”, 220lbs, shaved head and stocky build. He was last seen wearing a grey short sleeve shirt and black sweat pants.
Police say they received an unconfirmed report that Lampreau was last seen heading up East Barriere Lake Road early Monday morning.
Police are asking anyone with information on this man’s whereabouts to contact them at 250-672-9918.