The hiker missing north of Lac La Hache has been located alive and safe, RCMP said Saturday afternoon.
Leah Buckner was located at approximately 2:14 p.m. by RCMP air service helicopter with a Search and Rescue spotter on board. She was transported out of the backcountry location - approximately five kilometres from where she was last seen - with no injuries. RCMP said she became disoriented during her hike Thursday afternoon, and located a powerline which she followed until she was found by rescuers.
Original story:
100 Mile House RCMP is asking the general public to avoid the area of Kokanee Bay Resort, Begg Road, and Kokanee Pit Road in Lac La Hache today, Saturday, May 29, as the search continues for a missing woman.
Leah Buckner was last seen around noon May 27, when she reportedly went for a hike near the Kokanee Bay Resort. She was wearing a light-coloured hoodie and is said to have headed out on foot along the Kokanee Pit Road. RCMP said she is staying near the resort while her boyfriend works in the area and it is not out of the ordinary for her to go out hiking, looking for rocks and fossils. They said she was not prepared for an overnight wilderness stay in cool and rainy conditions. Officers said there is a “remote possibility” that Buckner has left the area and returned home to Penticton, and her family there are being kept up-to-date on the search.
South Cariboo Search and Rescue, along with the RCMP police dog service team and BC Conservation Officers are aiding in the search, and officials are asking people to avoid the area around Begg Road and Kokanee Pitt Road.
Buckner is Caucasian, five foot six inches tall and approximately 100 lbs. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to call the 100 Mile RCMP at 250-395-2456.
melissa.smalley@100milefreepress.net
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