Search Suspended for Missing Merritt Rancher
By Castlegar Source
After seven days, Merritt RCMP and Search and Rescue have suspended the search for missing rancher Ben Tyner. The search is suspended at this time due to extensive coverage in the area where the horse was found on Jan. 28, as well as extreme cold and poor weather conditions.
The large scale search included more than 19 teams from across the province, dog tracking teams, air support, drones, horseback riders and community volunteers that covered the large area North of Merritt. Extreme cold and snow on Sunday hindered search efforts somewhat, but volunteers continued to search drainage areas and steep terrain with no results.
Although the search is suspended at this time, the RCMP will continue to investigate and if further info is located the search can be reinstated.
Ben Tyner was last seen Saturday afternoon at Nicola ranch where he has worked as the ranch manager since November of 2018. His whereabouts after Saturday are still being investigated and RCMP are asking if anyone has any information or saw Ben Tyner anytime over the weekend of Jan. 27 to contact the Merritt RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
