RCMP ask for public help in missing woman investigation

ENDERBY – Despite an intensive, week-long search covering eight square kilometres there’s still no sign of a woman missing in the north Okanagan.

Deanna Mildred Wertz, 46, was last seen July 19th at her residence on Yankee Flats Road in Enderby.

Police believe Wertz went for a walk that morning in the nearby woods.

She was reported missing three days later.

“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 RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Dan Moskaluk in a news release.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "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 RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Dan Moskaluk in a news release.

Wertz is described as:

-Female First Nations
-Height: 5’2″ / 152cm
-Weight: 120 lbs / 54 kgs
-Hair: Dark Brown (Shoulder length)
-Eyes: Brown
-Last seen wearing grey t-shirt, grey cut-off sweat pants

Wertz is an avid hiker known to enjoy lengthy excursions.

“Due to Wertz being an experienced hiker, investigators are specifically appealing to anyone who may have been travelling the off-road locations near the Yankee Flats Rd area on the morning of July 19,” said Moskaluk.

Hiking landmarks of particular interest in the area include:

-Spa Creek
-Spa Lake
-Williams Road
-Lionel Road
-Watson Road

The area, which was searched on the ground and from the air, includes dense bush and steep terrain.

RCMP do not suspect foul play in Wertz’s disappearance.

People with information are asked to call their local police or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).