Search underway for missing man whose vehicle was found at Englishman River Falls Park

Arrowsmith Search and Rescue is searching Englishman River Falls Park for a missing 75-year-old Parksville man.

“It would be over 24 hours since he left home so it does get concerning. It did get quite cold here last night,” Ken Neden search manager with Arrowsmith Search & Rescue told CHEK News Tuesday.

John Mathers was reported missing on April 15, and from a ping from his cell phone, his vehicle, a grey Camry was subsequently found unoccupied at Englishman River Falls Park in Errington.

“It does give us a good definite area to begin searching, but unfortunately there’s really no clues as to what direction he may have gone,” said Neden.

An unsuccessful search was conducted of the park in the evening, then Arrowsmith SAR crews were joined by SAR teams from Nanaimo, Alberni and Comox in the daylight on April 16.

“There is a river with canyons and up into steep hills into forested area, logging areas, there’s a lot of mountain bike trails,” said Neden.

Mathers is described as Caucasian, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 140 pounds with balding, light brown hair and a short beard. He was last seen wearing black sweatpants, a black jacket, black ballcap and grey runners.

Anyone who sees Mathers or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact police immediately.

Search and Rescue vehicles were on scene at Englishman River Falls Park.Crews are conducting a search of Englishman River Falls Park on April 16, 2024.

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