The RCMP say the search for the Australian woman who went missing in the wilderness near Agassiz, B.C. just over two weeks ago, has now been suspended.
Sophie Dowsley, 34, and her boyfriend Gregory Tiffin were last spotted in Harrison Hot Springs in the Fraser Valley on July 8. Tiffin’s body was recovered 10 days later.
“A thorough ground and air search of the region has been conducted for Sophie. Although the initial land and air search is suspended our missing person investigation remains open,” said Cpl. Mike Rail, spokesperson for the UFVRD in a release. “RCMP remain in close contact with her family”.
Dowsley’s brother Jamie wrote a Facebook post on Sunday claiming the search had been called off. However, police said on Sunday the search continued, but confirmed on Monday it has now been suspended.
Jamie added that some of his sister’s personal items were found below a waterfall.
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“After visiting this area and gaining an understanding of the terrain and conditions, our family fully accept this decision,” Jamie Dowsley wrote. “The water search will resume when nature allows. We understand that Sophie may never be found.”
He added that the Dowsley family were grateful to the RCMP, emergency response teams, divers, police dog unit and volunteer rescuers for their efforts.
“We acknowledge that this is one of the most dangerous search and recovery operations that you have ever conducted. Every day you put your lives at risk to find Sophie and we thank you for that.”
Agassiz RCMP say Mounties were being supported by the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team, Lower Mainland District Integrated Police Dog Service with SAR teams from Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Central Fraser Valley, Kent Harrison and Chilliwack.