Volunteers from Malahat and Snuneymuxw First Nations, along with family and friends, are continuing to look for a missing Cowichan Tribes man last seen at the Cowichan River.
Police say Ethan Sampson was last seen along Quamichan Road West in the waters of the Cowichan River on Jan. 30 at 10:40 p.m. Friends and family report he was seen standing on a bridge before being swept away in the raging floodwaters.
Due to the dangerous, fast-moving waters, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, Cowichan Search and Rescue (SAR) and North Cowichan Fire Department were all called to assist in locating Ethan.
A missing poster showing 28-year-old Ethan Sampson.
A missing poster showing 28-year-old Ethan Sampson.
However, he has not been found at this time.
Searchers from @Snuneymuxw have joined effort to find #MissingPerson Ethan Sampson @CHEK_News He vanished in rising flood waters of #Cowichan River Thurs. night @BCRCMP pic.twitter.com/xVZIVqLGNw
— Skye Ryan (@SkyeRyanCHEK) February 4, 2020
“We’re just hoping he made it out safe somewhere,” Ethan’s grandma, Diana Sampson, said.
On Tuesday, the Cowichan River was still running fast and high as searchers looked over every curve, shoreline, bridge and log jam downstream from where Sampson was last seen. The 80 searchers include volunteers from Malahat and Snuneymuxw First Nations, friends and family members. Cowichan Search and Rescue confirmed Monday it had been stood down by RCMP until further notice. Police have not provided an update.
The search on and along the Cowichan River for Ethan Sampson.
The search on and along the Cowichan River for Ethan Sampson.
“We’re repeating the search over and over in the areas because you just never know if he has surfaced,” Howie George, a family member, said.
Ethan is described as approximately 5’11,” between 120 to 150 pounds with a slender build. He was last seen wearing rolled-up jeans.
Anyone who has information regarding the whereabouts of Ethan Sampson can call North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at cowichancrimestoppers.com to leave a secure tip online, or call 1-800-222-8477.
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