People using trails around the Yukon River or around downtown Whitehorse likely noticed the searchers on the trails and the helicopter flying low over the area as Yukon RCMP, Yukon Search and Rescue, Whitehorse Fire and Protective Services, and other partner agencies continue the search for missing person Deanna Bailey.
Starting in the evening of January 20, 2022, Whitehorse RCMP general duty officers engaged with Yukon RCMP Police Dog Service (PDS) and with Yukon Search and Rescue (YSAR) for assistance in the investigation. After a pause overnight to ensure the safety of searchers, RCMP and YSAR resumed the search at daybreak with further assistance from Whitehorse Fire and Capital Helicopters.
Police cannot provide information at this time about how or why Ms. Bailey came to be a missing person.
Cpl. Cam Long, Yukon RCMP search and rescue coordinator, said that the support for this search has been encouraging to investigators.
"We have had incredible turnout from YSAR volunteers and other agencies in our searches," says Cpl. Long. "We appreciate the expertise provided by all of the partner agencies who have been engaged."
Investigators also hope to follow up with a man who may have spoken with Ms. Bailey near the trails by the Yukon River sometime on January 20. He was described as being approximately 60 years old, with grey hair, and was driving a maroon vehicle. The man is not a suspect and is not believed to have been involved in Ms. Bailey's disappearance. However, he may be able to provide relevant information to police.
Anyone with information about Ms. Bailey is encouraged to contact Whitehorse RCMP.
"Any amateur searchers are encouraged to reach out to police, YSAR, or other agencies who have tools, equipment, and safety training for rescue operations, especially around cold, fast-moving water," says Cpl. Long.