Wednesday will mark four weeks since Braden Wallace-Peters went missing in the Thompson River.
Witnesses told police that the 23-year-old briefly surfaced before disappearing under the water after jumping off the Overlanders Bridge in the evening of July 30.
The following day, the Kamloops RCMP said that the young man was “presumed to have drowned.”
The RCMP and Kamloops Search and Rescue searched the waterway for days without success, and now just his family and friends are left searching in hopes of closure.
As you might expect, those left searching for Wallace-Peters are facing significant challenges as they try to scour the powerful river.
That’s why they’ve started to fundraise in hopes of mobilizing resources and equipment that will aid the search efforts.
“We are seeking donations, both in monetary form and in the form of equipment necessary for water searches,” the GoFundMe explains. “This includes sonar devices, boats, and divers who are trained to navigate these waters safely and effectively.”
It adds that any contributions will not just assist in the search for Wallace-Peters, but also provide hope and support to his grieving family.
“Together, we can show Braden's family that they are not alone in this fight,” the fundraiser says. “Let us unite in compassion and strength, driven by the love we have for our community and for Braden.”
In addition to donations, they’re also looking for volunteers who can contribute time and effort to assist in the search.
The number of people looking for the 23-year-old has dwindled as it gets further from the date of his disappearance and additional searchers would be crucial to cover more ground.
Financial donations can be made through the GoFundMe, while volunteers can inquire through a public Facebook group dedicated to the search.
