The search continues for River Clement, as family and community assisted by members of the RCMP and volunteer Rangers push forward in the seventh day of mission over land, water and air.
River Clement, who is from the community of Tulit’a, was last seen on Cranberry Crescent in the early morning hours of Aug.15, at about 5:00 a.m.
The youth is described as slim, with brown eyes and medium-length black hair.
Tulit’a RCMP reported they are patrolling the Mackenzie River along with family and community members.
In heartfelt messages on social media, Lynda MacAuley, who is River Clement’s aunt, expressed gratitude on behalf of the family to the many people who are coming together to help the family search for River Clement.
Search teams began looking for the youth last week on Friday. Community members from across Tulit’a and beyond are showing up to help search for River or to help provide assistance by cooking food or donating water to assist the searchers teams.
Last week, the search team found items belonging to River Clement, including a cell phone.
“At approximately 8:30 a.m., on Friday, clothing and a cell phone believed to belong to River Clement were found in a boat drifting on the Mackenzie River,” said police.
MacAuley shared a timeline of the search efforts in Tulit’a and is calling for anyone with information to come forward immediately.
“A lone boat was parked at the dock located at the point of Tulita during the night. 6:00 AM (a community member saw) the boat a float drifting in the middle of the river. She then notified (another community member) whom later retrieved the boat (with them) on Windy Island across the MacKenzie River from the community of Tulita at 7:00 AM and items inside the boat were found.
“8:45 AM a post including a photo was made on the community’s Buy, Sell, Trade Facebook page of the items found in the boat making the community aware to find who these items belonged too. The items consisted of a pair of pants, runners, a cell phone and an old boat key. We don’t know if River’s intentions were to get in or use the boat. However, the family of River Clement recognized these items and identified that they did in fact belong to River. Upon arrival of retrieving the boat there was also a pair of socks sitting on the dock where the boat was parked possibly believed to also be River’s.
“We can’t confirm if River was in the boat or not, or if he was on the dock or not when the boat was untied. However, the boat did have 5 life jackets on board when it was docked for parking the evening before. When the boat was retrieved only four were accounted for. It is possible that if River was in the boat that he may have used one to try get back to shore as the boat was unable to start.”
On Monday, the RCMP said they are continuing to assist with the search efforts and are concerned that as time elapses, the chances of finding the youth safe are diminishing. On Monday, officials announced that the search was turning its focus to a recovery mission.
Earlier this week, officers expressed their support to the community at this difficult time.
“The Tulita RCMP extends its heartfelt sympathy to the community and will continue to assist in bringing River Clement to his family,” said police.
Family members and officials are urging anyone with information to come forward.
