'It’s a needle in a haystack’: Parents of missing Kitchener woman join search efforts in B.C.
The parents of Jaqueline McDermott have flown out to B.C. to join in the search for their missing 22-year-old daughter from Kitchener.
“It’s a needle in a haystack. It’s upsetting for us,” said Nathalie St-Maurice, McDermott's mother, after getting a tour of the area in a helicopter with RCMP.
McDermott was reported missing on Oct. 1. According to RCMP, she was last seen near her vehicle after attending a meditation retreat. RCMP told CTV News that her vehicle was found broken down along Highway 97C between Merritt and Logan Lake but she was not in or near it.
“It’s really rough terrain around here if you don’t know your way around,” said St-Maurice. “We can see from being up there how easy it could be to get turned around. And so our hope is that she’ll walk out of the forest and be like where is my van?”
McDermott’s parents said they are overwhelmed by all the support they’ve been receiving from across the country.
“Complete strangers who have offered us their homes to stay in while we’re here, who have offered us food,” said St-Maurice.
Kelly Brook Allen, a B.C. resident said she doesn’t know the family but wanted to help.
“I hope she is found. I feel sick for the family,” Allen said.
Allen lives near where McDermott’s van was found. She said she spent three days searching on her horse along with a mounted search and rescue team.
B.C. residents seen on Oct. 3 joining the search for Jaqui McDermott. (Submitted/Kelly Brook Allen)
The RCMP said the community support is heartwarming but is urging the public to coordinate any searches with them first.
“We have several tools at our disposal. That includes police dogs, air services, and ground searches. Obviously, the more eyes the better. However, having several people wandering in the wooded area for example would hinder the police dog’s ability to appropriately track someone,” said Corporal Alex Bérubé in an emailed statement.
The parents said several friends and family of McDermott will be flying out soon to join the search. They said there are already dozens searching the area, many of who are volunteers.
“We’re still optimistic. We’re still harbouring hope that we’re going to be able to find Jaqui.” said Leigh McDermott, Jaqui's father.
St-Maurice said she believes her daughter is still out there and has a good chance at survival.
“She’s tree planted. She has done camping. She is a hiker. She is strong. She’s a vegan so she can forage for food probably,” she said.
Her parents said they plan to stay out west for as long as it takes to find their daughter.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.