Alberta RCMP, in coordination with search and rescue units, are continuing their efforts to locate a 25-year-old man who went missing after falling into a river south of Cold Lake on May 1. The incident occurred when the man was walking with friends on the Iron Horse Trail trestle, approximately 20 kilometers south of Cold Lake.
Incident Details
According to Alberta RCMP Cst. Mathew Howell, the man was walking with a group of friends on the evening of Friday, May 1, at around 5:45 p.m. He stepped outside the safety railing to get a better view, lost his footing, and fell into the river below. Witnesses reported seeing him above the water for a few seconds before he disappeared beneath the surface and did not resurface.
“It's my understanding that we've hit the recovery stage of this operation. There were witnesses that saw him above the surface for a few seconds and then go below, and never resurfaced,” Howell stated in a phone interview with Postmedia on Thursday.
Search Operations
Search and rescue teams, fire rescue personnel, underwater search resources, and emergency operations staff have been deployed to the area. Despite extensive efforts, the man has not yet been located. The Beaver Ridge Trestle Bridge area along the Iron Horse Trail remains the focus of the search.
RCMP and search crew members are urging the public to avoid the area due to dangerous river conditions. The water levels and currents pose significant risks to both search personnel and any bystanders.
Community Response
The local community has been affected by the incident, with many expressing concern and support for the missing man's family. Authorities continue to provide updates as the search progresses. The RCMP has not released the man's name, pending notification of next of kin.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with natural waterways and the importance of staying within designated safety areas. The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cold Lake RCMP detachment.
