Police searching for father and son who went missing while mushroom picking in southern BC

| October 27, 2020 in Provincial

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Pemberton RCMP is currently assisting Lil'wat Nation and Stl'atl'imx Tribal police in the search for a missing father and son. 

According to police, on Saturday at approximately 6:45 am, officers were called to the Upper McKenzie Basin when two men failed to return home after going mushroom picking the previous night. 

The missing men have been identified by the Lil'wat Nation as Peter Oleski and River Leo. Their vehicle, a red 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 truck, was located on the McKenzie Basin Forest Service Road over the weekend. 

Oleski is described as a 48-year-old Indigenous man with a medium build who stands at 6'2." He has brown hair, hazel eyes and was last seen wearing black pants with a grey sweater. 

Leo is a 21-year-old Indigenous man who is also 6'2," though he has a slim build. Leo sports brown hair and brown eyes. 

Despite extensive searches from numerous police and search and rescue units, which included air support, the men have not been found. 

"We are asking anyone in the area today to keep an eye out for any signs of Peter and River in the McKenzie Basin, Upper Mckenzie Trail, and Mckenzie Basin FSR," said Sgt. Sascha Banks. "Lil'wat Nation search teams will be joined today by a large number of SAR teams from across the lower mainland and we will be supporting in any capacity required."

Anyone with information on the missing individuals is urged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment. 

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