A search for missing hiker Tyler Wright has revealed a 15-metre slide path down a rock face believed to be evidence of the 35-year-old Vancouver resident's failed efforts to climb out of a Bull Canyon creek bed.
"Footprints associated to Tyler were located in the creek bed in the area of the slide path confirming that he continued on from there," states an RCMP news release today, day eight of the search.
Wright began a rugged, 50-kilometre hike from Squamish to Coquitlam on Aug. 10 and didn't return on Aug. 16 when expected. He was carrying four food packs and has access to drinkable water, leading rescuers to determine he could survive for a month if need be.
On Sunday (Aug. 22), rescuers spotted a distinctive size-16 footprint in mud along the Boise Creek Trail believed to belong to Wright. On Monday (Aug. 23) more tracks were found as well as flattened vegetation believed to be evidence of a bed. And yesterday the slide path was discovered.
Search and Rescue (SAR) crews continue to focus their efforts on the Bull Creek area today.
SAR ground searchers have cut for track the alpine region above Bull Creek Valley to no avail, according to RCMP, and searchers are now working the valley creek bed where they located foot impressions yesterday.
The terrain is typical of West Coast mountains, with steep slopes, cliffs, creeks, heavy alder and devils club growth. Search crews describe the conditions as heinous and tough going.
Meanwhile, family and friends are using a new high tech method for searching involving a rented helicopter and high resolution camera.
The densely forested area where Wright has gone missing is being captured on video, and Internet surfers are asked to review the footage online at missingtylerwright.blogspot.com and point out anything that might have gone unnoticed.
Squamish SAR member John Howe called the technique an exciting new resource that has allowed as many as 12,000 people to help with the search.
Anyone with information is asked to call Squamish RCMP at 604 892-6100.
