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Search for Alex Brown continues
Police continue to search for Alex Brown after he jumped into the St. Mary’s River on the evening of July 5.
Search and rescue teams have been actively searching the area along the river downstream from St. Mary’s Lake for over three days without success.
Search teams have been concentrating their efforts in and around the river in the hopes of finding clues as to Alex Brown’s whereabouts. Teams from around the southern region of B.C. including, Kimberley, Cranbrook, Sparwood, Fernie, Golden, Columbia Valley, Revelstoke and Penticton have spent some long hot days combing the area. Over 50 volunteers have assisted in the search efforts.
A helicopter assisted the teams during the three days and a fixed wing aircraft covered the length of the river from Lake Koocanusa to St. Mary’s Lake. A police dog attended the scene in the early stages.
At this time the physical searching has been scaled back. The initial response by SAR was immediate with a concentrated effort by multiple teams. There was a huge influx of resources from throughout this region of B.C. but after three and half long days of concerted searching, the teams had to stand down to replenish resources and rest before resuming.
Through the course of the search to date the teams haven’t located any evidence or clues, which would allow them to focus the direction of their search efforts. The RCMP and SAR Command will continue to assess the situation and intend to immediately follow up on any clues or evidence received. A further major search effort is being planned which will be initiated in two to three days.
Swift water rescue technicians have spent a considerable amount of time on the river, checking islands, log jams and land areas not readily accessible by ground search teams. This type of search involves specially trained and equipped volunteers that are dedicated to working towards a common goal.
The river is being monitored and those involved are optimistic that changes in the flow may yield some clues to assist in the search.
The investigation is still very active and if anybody has further information please contact the Kimberley RCMP. Alex is 5’5’’, 130 pounds with shoulder length blonde hair and moustache. He was wearing brown shorts at the time.
Cpl. Chris Newel,
Kimberley RCMP
