Nelson RCMP report that Nelson Search and Rescue located Joe Moyer yesterday at 8:30 pm west of Copper Mountain forest road in Blewett. Moyer's dog was found with him.
This area was focused on by Nelson Search and Rescue after the RCMP helicopter was called in to complete a second air search earlier in the day. A sighting was made by Air Services so a ground crew was sent in to follow up. This lead was a result of friends finding a footprint beside 49 Creek the previous night.
The RCMP report that Moyer had multiple cuts and scratches when he was found but was not suffering any other injuries. He was taken to the hospital.
"The dedication of Nelson Search and Rescue, friends, and especially the family in working cooperatively to bring this to a successful conclusion was amazing," said the RCMP's Cpl. Michael Stefani. "As well, our local media cannot be left out. The speed and accuracy in getting our information out to the public speaks volumes to the professionalism of our local outlets in supporting this community and they should be commended."
On Tuesday, Nelson RCMP continued to search for a Blewett man who hadn't returned to his home since he walked away barefoot around 5 a.m. Saturday with his black lab in tow.
Joe Moyer, 42, was believed to be heading west towards the Kootenay Canal. His family became concerned when he hadn’t returned later in the morning and called police for assistance just before noon.
On Tuesday, Insp. Tom Roy said an RCMP helicopter was being used with search and rescue personnel on board.
According to Roy, on Monday friends of Moyer’s family spotted bare footprints on a trail near the water box at 49 Creek in the drainage area, not far from Moyer’s home in the 4000 block of Blewett Rd.
Roy said the search team was trying to confirm the exact location of the footprints while the helicopter searched from the air.
RCMP asked for the public’s help locating Moyer, whom they believe may need medical attention due to mental health issues.
Roy said Moyer hasn’t disappeared like this before but did say RCMP were “dealing with him last week” but couldn’t elaborate.
Police had asked people not to approach Moyer as it is reported his dog can be defensive on behalf of the owner.
On Saturday evening Nelson Search and Rescue and RCMP conducted a ground search of the area around Moyer’s residence and the Kootenay Canal/Rover Creek area, while friends and family conducted their own searches as well.
The family was concerned because Moyer hasn’t been eating regularly. His condition when last seen was described as “weak.”
-With files from Will Johnson