30-year-old Douglas Bighetty from Nelson House First Nation
On September 27, 2009, shortly after midnight, the RCMP Nelson House Detachment was advised that 30-year-old Douglas Bighetty from Nelson House First Nation had not returned to a camp, north of Notigi in the East Manarsky Lake Area.
Bighetty was last seen leaving the camp the day before at about 4:30pm walking into the bush.
Concerns rose as Douglas Bighetty was reported to be poorly dressed with only a T-shirt and a hoody and the temperature was getting colder.
That morning, a number of Nelson House community members and a local helicopter began searching the area for Douglas Bighetty without success. The aerial search had to be suspended that afternoon due to a low ceiling and weather conditions.
The aerial search by helicopter resumed Monday morning without success.
To date, the search continues (aerial and land) by both RCMP Leaf Rapids and Nelson House Detachments with the assistance of the RCMP Search and Rescue Team, the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner, Manitoba Rangers, the RCMP Police Service Dog Unit, the support of the Nelson House Chief and Council and Community members as well as Manitoba Hydro.
Update 10/01/09 8am
The search for Douglas Bighetty continues. Yesterday, RCMP obtained additional assistance of the Civilian Air Search And Rescue Association (CASARA) in providing additional aerial support.
Search efforts continue today.
Sgt. Line Karpish
RCMP Media Relations
(204) 983-8497
