Nanaimo RCMP say the disappearance of a 64-year-old woman is considered “highly suspicious.”
Sherry Shelley was last heard from on Nov. 13 and police said her disappearance is highly out of character for her.
“Based on the evidence we have and understanding her lifestyle, this is out of character for her,” Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, media relations officer for the Nanaimo RCMP told Global News.
“As a result, the information has been forwarded to our Serious Crime Unit. They are taking the lead on this investigation.”
RCMP said they believe Shelley has been in the area between Walmart, in the north section of Nanaimo, and the old logging road, off Ware Road in Lantzville, sometime overnight from Nov. 13 to Nov. 14.
“If she was seen, we need to hear from somebody,” O’Brien added.
He said police also believe Shelley is associated with her vehicle, which is a white 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan.
In a social media post, a woman who identifies herself as Shelley’s daughter says her mom going into the woods alone is not unusual behaviour, but she said these circumstances are suspicious.
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She said that Shelley was at Walmart and was texting her and her mom’s boyfriend and she said her mom was supposed to attend her son’s birthday party the next day.
Shelley’s daughter, Rebecca, later provided Global News with a statement about her mom, saying she is “one of those rare cherished bright souls that everyone loves – someone who’s always smiling and happy, taking things in stride, always positive, quick to forgive, incredibly selfless, compassionate, and empathetic towards anyone in need.”
Rebecca said her mom loves animals and is strong but sensitive and will always find the courage to stand up for others.
“I cannot convey just how incredibly brave my mom is, but she is the bravest person I have ever known, and will probably ever meet,” she said.
“But she’s also really fun and funny. Always laughing, always making jokes. She’s always been the one doing all the fun activities with the kids, and going on adventures with them.”
Rebecca said her mom loves the outdoors and adventure and making others happy.
“My mom is very loved by all of us, and we just want to see her beautiful, smiling face back home safe,” she said.
Nanaimo RCMP said Shelley is 65 years old in their release, but Rebecca confirmed her mom is 64 years old, but is turning 65 in less than a month.
“This is considered a priority file within our detachment,” O’Brien said.
Russell Scow has lived in the same building as Shelley for decades and has known her for over 10 years.
“She was warm, caring, she liked collecting items, going to beaches, collecting shells and rocks as well,” he told Global News.
He said he last spoke to her on Nov. 12 or 13 and she was going out shopping.
“Everybody here is very shocked as well,” Scow added. “We’re very sad that she’s missing as well and we’re concerned.”
Police are asking anyone with information about Shelley or her vehicle to contact them at 250-754-2345.
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