Update: RCMP are en route to Golden Ears Provincial Park tonight, to confirm first hand that missing hiker Esther Wang is alive.
The 16-year-old went missing Tuesday, while hiking the East Canyon Trail.
Reports are that the young woman walked out of the same trail just before 10 p.m. Thursday, June 29.
Ridge Meadows Search & Rescue spokesperson Rick Laing, not on scene, said his phone has been blowing up with news from members of the team excited to hear she’s okay.
“Beyond that, I don’t know anything yet,” Laing said, unable to raise anyone on scene yet.
RCMP Sgt. Daniel Rettenbacher confirmed he’d received similar news, but was on his way up to the provincial park to learn more.
FULL STORY: https://www.trailtimes.ca/news/esther-is-alive-girl-missing-in-golden-ears-park-reportly-safe/
Original:
Ridge Meadows RCMP is seeking public assistance in locating missing 16-year-old Esther Wang.
On June 27, 2023, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a group of four people went on a hike in Golden Ears Park as part of a youth activity. The group hiked the East Canyon Trail to Steve’s Lookout. The group left the lookout at approximately 2:45 pm to head back to their campground.
About 15 minutes from the viewpoint on the return to their campsite, the group leader became aware that 16-year-old Esther Wang had been separated from the group.
The group returned to the top of the viewpoint in an attempt to locate Esther, however, the attempts to locate her were unsuccessful. The leader headed to the entrance of the trail to have a Park Ranger report to Police.
Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue was called out and has been searching through the night. A police drone has been deployed to assist with search efforts. Esther is carrying a cell phone, however, due to the remote area and lack of cell reception the pings have been negative.
Esther Wang is described as the following:
16-year-old Asian female
5’3 with a slim build
Long black hair
Wearing black leggings, black jacket, navy blue baseball hat
Carrying a blue, red and white backpack
The group was prepared for their hike and Esther was carrying water and had food.
If you were out hiking in the area or have any information about Esther that could assist with search efforts, please contact the Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251.
https://twitter.com/RidgeRCMP/status/1674087749853249536
