Friends and family are still scouring Takysie Lake for Brett Smith, but the RCMP has called off their involvement.
The police and Search and Rescue called off the search on Aug. 12.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Brett Smith," said Burns Lake detachment commander Staff Sgt. Grant MacDonald. "The number of volunteers who assisted with this search was overwhelming, but unfortunately after five days of searching, we were unable to locate Brett."
Smith, 36, is a two-year resident of Prince George. He moved north from Chilliwack and ran his own drywalling business. On Aug. 8, after not hearing from Smith for two days, his family contacted the Takysie Lake Resort where he was staying while in the area for work.
Resort owners found a boat used by Smith abandoned on the north shore of the lake with items of his on board, including a personal flotation device.
Over the five-day period, search and rescue units were deployed from Nechako Valley, Houston, Bulkley Valley, Fort St. James, Prince George, Burns Lake and Terrace. A side sonar unit was used in the lake - which covers roughly 1270 acres and has a maximum depth of 38 feet - as well as a PEP helicopter for an aerial search of the lake.
Police have confirmed there were to witnesses to Smith entering the water and the ground search was extended with numerous volunteers, police dog services and a horse team with rider. The ground search has yet to turn up any evidence that may lead to Smith's location.
Anyone who would like to assist the family with their search or has information as to Smith's whereabouts is asked to contact the Burns Lake RCMP at 250-692-7171.
