Members of the Thompson RCMP, Sustainable Development Manitoba and the Office of the Fire Commissioner searched the area surrounding Paint Lake July 20, looking for signs of Campbell Hunter, a 67-year-old Thompson resident who was reported missing last December.
The searchers combed land areas around the lake on foot, with a helicopter picking them up when they had covered one area to take them to their next search location. The Office of the Fire Commissioner provided the search party with a cadaver dog, which is trained to find human remains.
“We did not find Mr. Hunter but I still count this search a success,” said Sgt. Ben Sewell of the Thompson RCMP. “We have cleared an area. We can move onto other areas now.”
Community groups, including people from Hunter’s home community of Nelson House, are continuing to work with police to conduct searches.
Hunter is described as Indigenous and approximately 5’4” tall with a slim build. His hair is short and black with some grey in it and he is missing his front teeth. When last seen, he was wearing a navy jacket, a baseball cap and big winter boots. At the time that he was reported missing, police said he led an outdoor lifestyle, hunting and trapping in the wilderness, and was know to travel to the Gimli area.
Anyone with information regarding Hunter’s whereabouts can call the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909 or Manitoba Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. Secure tips can also be submitted online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or by texting “TIPMAN” plus a message to CRIMES (274637).
