Daughter of missing Saint John, N.B., man arrives from Calgary to aid in search

The daughter of a missing Saint John, N.B., man says the disappearance of her father is completely out of character.

“Everything about this is just not my father,” Jillian Newcombe told Global News on Wednesday.

Newcombe’s father, James Garnett, hasn’t been seen since April 1.

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Newcombe arrived in Saint John from Calgary on Saturday after receiving special permission from the New Brunswick government to come to the city amid travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Newcombe said her 69-year-old father would never just up and leave.

“He doesn’t go for wandering walks, he has his phone on him at all times in case something happens,” she said.

Newcombe said her father’s phone was still at his apartment and turned off.

Garnett suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). His medications were also left behind.

“There’s been no answers at all,” said Newcombe.

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A search in a section of uptown Saint John has failed to locate Garnett.

On Tuesday, Saint John police along with members of River Valley Ground Search and Rescue searched the area of Hazen Street.

Jim Hennessy, a spokesperson for the Saint John Police Force, said the search was an important step and a team of investigators will continue to look into multiple leads.

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Newcombe says River Valley Ground Search and Rescue will continue to be involved in the case but restrictions due to COVID-19 are limiting what she can do on her own.

“We’re not allowed to do search parties,” she said.

“We’re not allowed to do the normal things that you would do if someone is missing like handing out flyers, going door to door, that kind of stuff.”

Newcombe says she plans to go to local businesses in hopes of getting Garnett’s poster placed in windows.

Anyone with information on Garnett’s whereabouts is being asked to contact Saint John Police at 1-506-648-3333.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.