Family desperately missing its ‘heart and soul’ after 82-year-old grandmother not seen for 5 days
Posted October 30, 2024 7:31 am.
Last Updated October 30, 2024 6:44 pm.
A new photo has been released by police as the search for a missing 82-year-old woman last seen five days ago in Aldergrove becomes more urgent.
Jane Whitehouse’s vehicle was found in a remote area near Harrison Lake Sunday, spotted on the Harrison East Forest Service Road at a washout.
On Tuesday night, the Langley RCMP released a new surveillance image showing what the elderly grandmother was wearing before she disappeared Friday — a thigh-length green jacket, a dark sweater with white stripes, and dark pants.
Police indicate she was last seen at 10:10 a.m. on Oct. 25 in Aldergrove.
What happened between then and when her grey Dodge Caravan was found abandoned almost 120 kilometres away is a mystery.
Whitehouse is around 5’1″ tall and has grey-blonde hair.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!“I have just talked to Search and Rescue. They had so many people out there looking for my mom. They also had a drone flying overhead to search for her,” reads a Facebook post on Monday attributed to Whitehouse’s daughter Eileen Antosh.
“Unfortunately, they did not find her, but did find her other shoe. Mom has been out in the elements now for an extensive amount of time. Please continue to pray for her, for good weather tomorrow as they begin to search again.”
Late Tuesday, Antosh posted an update suggesting there had been no other signs of her mother.
“The search grid has gotten wider and they will continue searching until dark.”
Langley RCMP Corp. Zynal Sharoom tells 1130 NewsRadio that the search for Whitehouse is being spearheaded by the Kent Harrison Search and Rescue team, who have local area expertise.
“We are into day five now, since she was last seen, so we are deeply concerned about Jane’s well-being, considering the weather elements with rain and getting cold nowadays. So, search efforts are going to continue,” Sharoom said Wednesday.
“At this point in time, we’re pleading with anyone who can look at the photograph that we circulated yesterday on the Langley RCMP newsroom and the Facebook page, to see if you recognize Jane from anywhere from Friday to now, and if you’ve seen her, please get in touch with our investigators,” he explained.
In a post on social media, the Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue Society also confirmed it’s helping with the search for Whitehouse.
Sharoom says Mounties continue to follow up on tips and possible sightings.
“The tips we’re getting, the individuals phoning into the Langley RCMP, they’re providing information. … We are really appreciative of the support that we’re getting from the public on our social media platforms, as they are disseminating it and sharing it, which is growing the awareness in the Fraser Valley,” he added.
“If you’ve seen anything, if you’ve heard from Jane, or if you know Jane, please let us know. Give us a call, as this is completely out of character for her to not be in touch with family for this long.”
Anyone with information about Whitehouse’ whereabouts is urged to call their local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Representative says Whitehouse’s family overwhelmed as search continues
Melanie Sora, a spokesperson for the family, tells 1130 NewsRadio that Whitehouse is the “backbone” of the family.
“She’s the heart and soul of the family. She’s known for her kindness, her compassion, and she just has brilliant humour, and she’s desperately missed by everyone,” said Sora.
“Not knowing where she is and how she’s doing is quite overwhelming and traumatic for the family.”
She says the family is struggling while the search is ongoing, but the help and attention are appreciated.
Sora says a few possible sightings have been reported, but nothing has been confirmed.
“We just are really hoping that the public and businesses can assist in camera footage and send it to the police. Whatever they find, even if they don’t feel it’s significant, because every little piece helps,” she said.
But, Sora says, those hoping to join the search for Whitehouse might impede the police and rescue team efforts.
“We’re also asking people who are eager to physically go and help with the searching to wait,” she said.
Sora confirmed that a pair of shoes were found, but said they could be the spares that Whitehouse would keep in the van with her.
Just after 5:40 p.m. Wednesday in a post to a group dedicated to the search of Whitehouse on Facebook, Sora says the search at East Harrison Lake Forest Service Road has been suspended.
“The area has been combed for three days with no results. The investigation is still very much active but we need more tips and leads to work with,” the post read.
Sora says any information, sightings, videos or images “no matter how insignificant they seem, would be appreciated.”
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—With files from Maria Vinca
