Dease Lake RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance locating two men following the discovery July 19 of a burning vehicle south of Stikine River Bridge on Highway 37 and subsequent discovery of a body a short distance away.
The BC RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 19-year-old Kam McLeod and 18-year-old Bryer Schmegelsky from Port Alberni, who were driving the vehicle that was discovered burned. They have not been in contact with their families for the last few days.
McLeod and Schmegelsky were travelling through B.C. to visit Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory to look for work. It is not clear why they returned to B.C. and what their travel plans may be.
“Kam and Bryer have periodically connected with family and friends over the past week and it is possible that they are now in area without cell coverage,” said Dawn Roberts, BC RCMP Communications. “However, we have found their vehicle and have not been able to locate either of them at this time. We are asking for Kam or Bryer to connect with police right away and let us know you are okay. Or we ask that anyone who may have spoken to or seen them over the last few days to call police so we can get a better understanding as to where they might be or their plans.”
Kam McLeod is described as:
- 6 foot 4 inches
- Approximately 169 pounds
- Dark brown hair and facial hair
- Brown eyes
Bryer Schmegelsky is described as:
- 6 foot 4 inches
- Approximately 169 pounds
- Sandy brown hair
The two were travelling in a red and grey Dodge pickup truck with a sleeping camper and BC licence plate LW6433. They were last seen travelling south from the Super A general store in Dease Lake at around 3:15 p.m. on Thursday July 18.
Police can also confirm that the deceased person located about two kilometres away from the vehicle fire is not McLeod or Schmegelsky. The body is believed to be male and police are working to identify it. It is unclear at this time how this deceased might be connected with vehicle fire or the two missing men.
Police acknowledge there are growing community concerns about the ongoing homicide investigations in northern BC. The Dease Lake incident occurred on July 19, 2019 and the other incident, south of Liard Hot Springs, occurred between July 14-15, 2019, approximately 470 kilometres away.
At this time, investigators are sharing information and police would like to ensure awareness around both investigations. The RCMP would ask the public to continue to take any general safety precautions and remain vigilant at this time. They also remind travellers to share your plans with family and friends, establish check-in times and notify someone if your plans change.
Anyone with any information is about McLeod and Schmegelsky is asked to please call Dease Lake RCMP 250-771-4111, Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net.