Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP continues its efforts to locate Deanna Mildred Wertz of Enderby.
Wertz, 46, was reported missing July 22. She was last seen in the early morning of July 19 at her residence on Yankee Flats Road.
“RCMP investigators believe that on the morning of July 19, Wertz went for a walk somewhere in the wooded area near her residence on Yankee Flats Road and has not been seen since,” said RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk. “Deanna is an avid hiker and was known to enjoy lengthy hikes.”
Investigators would also like to reach out to seasonal residents of the Enderby area who may have information about Wertz.
“We would like to hear from any of the area’s seasonal residents that may have been in Enderby back in July, but have since returned to their permanent homes elsewhere, be it in British Columbia or Alberta,” said Moskaluk.
Extensive investigative efforts have been carried out by the Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP, including the coordination of a search for Wertz that began immediately after she was reported missing.
In the days and weeks since her disappearance, in total, an eight square kilometre area has been searched over the course of seven days.
The terrain covered includes dense bush and steep elevations, which have been extensively searched.
Many areas were searched again, by ground search and rescue teams, RCMP Police Service Dogs and RCMP aircraft resources.
“We are asking that anyone who may have seen Wertz on the morning of July 19 to contact police,” said Moskaluk.
“Due to Wertz being an experienced hiker, investigators are specifically appealing to anyone who may have been traveling the off-road locations near the Yankee Flats Road area on the morning of July 19.”
Hiking landmarks of particular interest in this area include Spa Creek, Spa Lake, Williams Road, Lionel Road and Watson Road.
Moskaluk said the investigation remains active.
“The RCMP continue to follow up on tasks that they believe will assist in determining Deanna Wertz’s movements prior to going missing,” he said. “At this time RCMP investigators do not suspect foul play is involved in Deanna Wertz’s disappearance.”