The search for 6-year-old Oaklynn Schweder, has come to a happy conclusion.
Before being found this evening (Sept. 22) in a rural area, Oaklynn was last seen Thursday evening (Sept. 19) leaving her home in Southside around 6 p.m.
Family and community members immediately responded searching for several hours before alerting authorities.
RCMP and the local Search and Rescue (SAR) team was activated quickly with canine units deployed to areas with minimal human contamination to track Oaklynn's scent.
The Burns Lake SAR continued their efforts until 4 a.m. on Sept.20, said search manager Chris Mushumanski in a Facebook video update Saturday.
On Friday morning (Sept. 20), the search expanded significantly, involving multiple search and rescue groups from across northern British Columbia, including teams from Kitimat, Terrace, Smithers, Houston, Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, McKenzie, and Prince George.
Wildfire service members will be joining the search operation and offered two helicopters and drone support. Additional personnel from search and rescue teams are being deployed from as far as Kamloops to support ongoing efforts.
RCMP drones equipped with heat-sensing technology were also utilized to assist in locating Oaklynn, Mushumanski said.
The search strategy was guided by a detailed plan based on statistical analysis of missing persons data. High-probability areas were identified within concentric rings from Oaklynnsa国际传媒檚 last known location, with search teams extending their efforts along roads up to 300 metres on either side.
Given Oaklynnsa国际传媒檚 autism, searchers were briefed on her potential behaviours, such as hiding in unusual places or climbing trees. Teams conducted thorough checks, looking under objects and examining tree canopies.
MORE TO COME
With files from Binny Paul
