
The search for an experienced hiker between Gold River and Campbell River has been called off.
Comox Valley Search and Rescue said Tuesday night the decision was made after four days of air and ground search efforts to find 65-year-old Laurence Philippsen.
Philippsen set out June 29 on a 40-kilometre hike to climb several mountains in Strathcona Provincial Park.
He was due to return to his Black Creek home on Thursday but never arrived.
Comox Valley Search and Rescue’s Paul Berry says there has been no contact made by Philippsen with the communication tools he had available.
Berry adds although the search covered a vast area, there are no clues of where Philippsen is.
Berry says the terrain is considered very challenging and dangerous but says Philippsen has the skills to navigate the area as a very experienced and respected climber.
Berry says remains a missing person case with the RCMP.