Parkland RCMP can report that the three missing members of the Pelsma family have been recovered deceased. Dec. 25, 2023 at 1:15 p.m., Parkland RCMP responded to the report that the family was overdue to attend a function and hadn't been heard from since Dec. 23, 2023. Emergency service personnel, Edmonton Police Air 1 Helicopter and ground search and rescue volunteers converged on the families last known location in Lac Ste Anne County. They were believed to be using the family UTV side-by-side before travelling out of the area as a family.
Dec. 26, 2023, Parkland RCMP continued search and rescue efforts in an area near the Alexis Bridge, off Range Road 40A. Recovery of the Pelsma family was conducted by members of the Parkland RCMP, Lac Ste Anne County Fire Service and an Underwater Recovery Team.
"This is a sad outcome, the loss of any life is tragic" says Cpl. Patrick Lambert – RCMP Public Information Officer, "The loss of this entire family is truly devastating over the holidays. Our thoughts are with the community and their extended family."
The three deceased have been taken to the Edmonton Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where an autopsy will be conducted later this week.
The Alberta RCMP remind all Albertans and outdoor enthusiasts of the dangers of unpredictable thin ice and open water. Ice should be at least 15 cm thick for a person to walk or skate on, 20 cm for a group of people and 25 cm for snowmobiling or using off highways vehicles on.
Background:
Dec. 25, 2023
Parkland RCMP seek public's assistance in locating missing family
Parkland RCMP request the public's assistance with locating the Pelsma family. The family of three consisting of 39-year-old Kelly, 37-year-old Laura and 8-year-old Dylan were last seen on Dec. 23, 2023. Parkland RCMP are concerned for their well-being and are asking for the public's assistance. The Pelsma's may have gone off-roading on the family's side-by-side in Lac Ste Anne County. Their intended destination was unknown.
Kelly is described as:
• Male
• 5 feet 9 inches tall
• 190 pounds
• brown hair
• Blue eyes
Laura is described as:
• Female
• 5 feet 4 inches tall
• 125 pounds
• Blond hair
• Blue eyes
Dylan is described as:
• Male
• 4 feet 9 inches tall
• 90 pounds
• Brown hair
• Blue eyes
The family UTV side-by-side is described as a black Can Am Maverick Turbo.
If you have been in contact with the Pelsma family, or have information on their whereabouts, please contact the Parkland RCMP at 825-220-7267. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.