UPDATED: Happy ending to scary missing person story
By Kyra Hoggan
The region gets to experience what RCMP Cpl. Darryl Orr calls a “rare happy ending,” in a local missing persons case that went on for more than a week.
“It is with great pleasure the Trail & Greater District RCMP announce that the exhaustive investigation and search for missing person Gavin Ballard, aged 23 years, has ended on a positive note,” said Orr in a press release Sunday afternoon.
“After receiving a tip from the public, on Saturday, July 25, at 10 (a.m.) investigators were able to locate Ballard’s abandoned vehicle approximately three km from the Buckley’s Campground in the Pend Oreille,” Orr said. “The RCMP police dog service along with Search and Rescue members were deployed to the area shortly after the vehicle was located.
“At approximately (6 p.m.) Search and Rescue members located Ballard alive in a wooded area in the Pend Oreille, 4.5 km away from where his vehicle was located. Ballard was suffering from exposure and dehydration and was taken immediately to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital for medical treatment.”
In a brief telephone interview Sunday, Orr underlined that Ballard was not wanted in connection with any crime or wrong-doing, but rather merely in concern for his safety and well-being.
“Ballard had been missing since July 14,” he said. “The Trail and Greater District RCMP wish to specially thank the Search and Rescue volunteers who located Gavin Ballard. Without their hard work and dedication this positive result would likely have not been possible.”
Previous coverage on July 21, 2015:
The Trail and Greater District Detachment are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing Trail manwho may be struggling with mental health issues, according to CMP Sgt. Darren Oelke.
“Gavin Wade Ballard, 23 years old, was last seen on July 14 about 5:30 p.m. in Trail,” Oelke said. “He was driving his 2006, black, two-door Chevrolet Cobalt bearing BC Licence Number 248XRX. Gavin’s car has sunroof and an ‘N’ sign and ‘AM Ford’ sticker on the back.”
“Gavin is described as Native, 5’7″ tall and 190 lbs. He has straight black shoulder length hair, a moustache and goatee.”
“Gavin may be off his medications and may be confused and disoriented. Gavin likes to hike and often frequents local hiking trails. His car is also missing.”
Oelke said the man has never been in trouble with police, and has not done anything wrong – there is simply a deep concern for his well-being at this time. He may be reticent to talk to strangers, and the ideal response to seeing him would be alerting authorities.
A recent photograph of Ballard is attached for distribution.
If you have seen Gavin or his vehicle please contact the Trail and Greater District RCMP at 250-364-2566.
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