According to the Edmonton Police Service, approximately 6,500 people were reported missing last year, translating to nearly 18 individuals vanishing every day. In the event that your loved one goes missing, it is crucial to take immediate action and begin your search efforts. The initial step recommended by law enforcement is to exercise due diligence by reaching out to local hospitals, your loved one’s school or workplace, contacting other friends and family members, and thoroughly searching familiar locations that the individual regularly frequents. If these initial efforts prove unsuccessful in locating your loved one, it is imperative to involve the police. “We strongly encourage individuals to report a missing person as soon as possible. When something seems out of character, or you have a gut feeling that something is amiss, don’t hesitate to contact us,” advises Constable Matthew Broadfoot of the Edmonton Police Service’s three-member missing persons unit. “There is a wealth of perishable evidence available at the outset that can be as simple as witness accounts.” Broadfoot emphasizes that memories can fade over time, particularly regarding details of a stranger, and that physical evidence, such as video surveillance and phone records, can also disappear. Despite the alarming number of missing persons in Edmonton, Broadfoot assures that the majority of cases have a positive outcome. “In 98 to 99 percent of the 6,500 cases, we find them alive and well,” he states. “We have located individuals within an hour. More often than not, we resolve many cases within two to three days.” Specific demographics are more likely to be reported missing. Broadfoot explains that individuals who are transient, lack a fixed address, or struggle with drug addiction or mental health issues may have difficulty maintaining contact with loved ones, leading to frequent concerns about their well-being. In those rare instances where a person vanishes without a trace, the missing persons unit delves into the individual’s routine to identify any changes or anomalies. “They have regular purchases they make, regular places they visit, people they contact, and activities they engage in,” Broadfoot explains. “When you notice, even after a couple of hours, that they’re not doing these things, it’s extremely concerning for us.” Investigators meticulously conduct a series of inquiries to determine the person’s movements and last known location. “Interviewing everyone who has had contact with this person is obviously a really important step,” Broadfoot says. “Sometimes they might not be in contact with one person, but they’re in contact with another.” In specific cases, the Edmonton Police Service may issue a news release. This tool is employed judiciously, primarily when deemed absolutely necessary. The objective is to avoid overwhelming the public or desensitizing them to the information. “We want the public to be engaged when we put that out because we want their help,” Broadfoot emphasizes. While investigators diligently work on the case, they encourage friends and family members to actively raise awareness about their missing loved one. “I definitely recommend families going out there and trying to get media involved and the community involved,” Broadfoot advises. However, for many families, navigating this process can be daunting, leaving them unsure of where to begin. That’s where organizations like the Free Bird Project step in. This non-profit organization was born out of tragedy when their loved one’s plane vanished while flying over the Rocky Mountains in 2017. “It’s this loving support we like to give families. We have compassion. We’ve been there,” says co-founder Kate Sinclair. The family of Dominic Neron, driven by the anguish of not knowing, decided to take matters into their own hands. They spread the word on social media and enlisted the generosity of volunteers to continue the search for the missing plane. After navigating much of the process on their own, they were determined to share their knowledge and provide support to other families in distress. “We can go to social media, start a Facebook group. We can start sharing missing posters. If there’s not one, we can create one,” explains co-founder Tammy Neron. They have also cultivated a network of Good Samaritans willing to assist. “We have drone contacts, we have search dogs, there’s lots of volunteers in the community,” Sinclair says. “We have pilots if you need a helicopter.” The Free Bird Project also has connections to counselors who specialize in ambiguous loss and the trauma associated with unanswered questions. Most importantly, they offer hope to families. Almost a year after the crash, the remains of 28-year-old Dominic Neron and his 31-year-old girlfriend, Ashley Bourgeault, were discovered in September 2018 after the wreckage was spotted by a B.C. Ambulance Service helicopter crew near Revelstoke, B.C. This discovery brought much-needed closure to their loved ones. “We hear stories all the time about missing loved ones who are found decades later, so you cannot give up hope,” Sinclair says. Tammy Neron also cautions families to be aware of unscrupulous individuals who may try to exploit their grief. Both the police and the Free Bird Project have encountered instances of people attempting to take advantage of vulnerable families, offering information or services in exchange for something else. “It’s very common that people will try to contact them and try to scam them in various ways,” Broadfoot says. “Anybody that wants to help will always help out of the goodness of their heart. They’ll never ask for money,” Neron emphasizes.
Missing Persons: What to Do When Your Loved One Vanishes
