UPDATED… Police search for missing male and loyal companion…

UPDATE: The search for a missing Wilmer man ended today in tragedy following the discovery of his remains.

Martin Baker was last seen on September 2, 2020, when he departed his Wilmer home with his Pitbull cross Rusty for a walk. Concerned for his well-being, RCMP launched a search and activated search and rescue crews, who scoured the area throughout the evening, and resumed their search early Thursday morning.

At 1:10 p.m. (MT) a front line RCMP officer, in the RCMP Air Services fixed wing aircraft, spotted what searchers later determined to be a deceased individual near Wilmer Lake. Columbia Valley RCMP notified the BC Coroners Service, who has now launched an independent and concurrent fact finding investigation into the man’s sudden passing.

“Police do not believe that criminality was involved in Martin’s sudden death,” states Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, of the BC RCMP Southeast District. We extend our sincerest condolences to Mr. Baker’s family during this difficult time.

Amazingly, Martin’s Pitbull was also found. Despite being off his leash, Rusty stayed by Martin’s side, until searchers reached the scene. Rusty was found in good spirits and good health.

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INVERMERE, BC: The Columbia Valley RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing Wilmer resident and his loyal companion, a Pitbull cross named Rusty…

Martin Baker was last seen at approximately 8 a.m. on September 2, 2020, when he departed his Wilmer home with his dog for a walk. Martin doesn’t normally travel on a set route, but usually returns within the hour. RCMP was contacted a short time after 3 p.m. when Martin and Rusty failed to return home.

Police are very concerned for Martin’s health and well-being and the well-being of his dog, as friends and family report that it is out of character for him to be out of contact for so long.

RCMP has activated Columbia Valley Search and Rescue, a command post was established and a search commenced throughout the evening. The search, which included mutual aid support from Cranbrook SAR and Kimberely SAR, is set to resume this morning.

Investigators are probing a possible sighting of a dog near Bruce Creek Forest Service Road. Area residents are urged to report any possible further sightings of Rusty.

Description of Martin Baker:

• Caucasian male;
• 55 years;
• 5 ft 6 in (168 cm);
• 141 lbs (64 kg);
• brown hair;
• blue eyes;

He was last seen wearing a pair of blue jeans and a dark coloured baseball cap and glasses.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Martin Baker or Rusty is urged to contact the Columbia Valley RCMP 250-342-9292 or their local police.

Written and released by Southeast BC RCMP