Searching for missing man

Photo: Facebook

Family and friends of a missing Alberta man will be back in the Okanagan July 25 to conduct a land search in the Cosens Bay area near Vernon.

Curtis Wilson's vehicle was found abandoned near the south end of Cosens Bay on Kalamalka Lake. The body is his friend, Shane Letkeman, 32, was discovered in Kalamalka Lake, near Cosens Bay, late in June.

Police believe Wilson's body is in the lake and the Vernon RCMP dive team conducted an extensive search of the area where Letkeman was found, but there was no sign of Wilson.

Police also conducted a ground search of the area, but have since suspended both water and ground efforts to find Wilson.

Wilson's sister, Shanna Wilson, is organizing a land search in the hills around Cosens Bay for Saturday starting at around 8 a.m.

“I have a general area I'd like to focus on, but I'd like to spread out from that point. Everyone will be in groups of two or more,” Shanna said on the FaceBook page Help Find Curtis as people signed on to help with the search.

“Curtis was last seen wearing a red hat, grey shorts and red shoes, he also wears glasses. It's important for everyone to know that if any items are found, they will need to be left, untouched and reported. RCMP are aware of this search and this is a very open investigation, so they need to be aware of anything found out there. If anything is found, do not touch it. I can't stress this enough.

“Most smart phones have a compass, which shows GPS co-ordinates. Screen shot this, or send it to me, the RCMP will need to be notified ASAP.”

Shanna has been in contact with Vernon Search and Rescue for advise and suggestions, saying the safety of the searchers is paramount.

Updates and information can be found on the Help Find Curtis FaceBook page.