SKEENA REGION – The dedicated community search team for Thomas Kelly, who has been missing since July 12, is preparing for one last, highly specialized search effort before winter conditions halt river operations until next year.
Organizers have announced a postponement of the initial October 4–5 search to align with the availability of the CASDDA K9 team. The decision ensures the highest chance of success, as the certified Human Remains Detection (HRD) dogs are considered a critical resource for detecting scent pools and increasing search accuracy in the final days of the season.
The last major river searches are now tentatively scheduled for three-day windows: October 17–19, October 24–26, and October 31–November 2.
Urgent Need: $7,000 to Bring K9 Teams to B.C.
To make the specialized operation possible, the team is urgently seeking to raise $7,000. These funds are necessary to cover the essential costs of bringing the HRD K9 handlers and their dogs to the Skeena region, including:
- Flights and ground travel.
- Lodging and meals for the handlers and their K9 teams.
- Costs of specialized equipment needed for accurate deployment.
The search team stressed that without HRD K9s, they lose a critical resource in this final window before winter shuts down river operations until August 2026. One hundred percent of funds raised will go directly toward the costs of deploying these teams safely and effectively.
Community members are encouraged to contribute directly via the official PayPal fundraiser: [PayPal Link – https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/9iR6Kgjze4
Call for Local Resources and Volunteers
While the main operation is postponed, small-scale shoreline sweeps and drone mapping continue. Organizers are making a final appeal for local resources and support for the upcoming October operations:
- Experienced Jet Boat Operators: Still urgently needed to safely navigate the strong currents and tidal surges in the estuary alongside K9 and drone teams.
- Accommodation & Sponsorship: Assistance is required to host the visiting CASDDA K9 teams and their handlers.
- Logistics & Volunteers: Help is needed with coordination, communications, and on-the-ground support, including finding a quiet, reliable indoor space for debriefing and planning during the multi-day search weekends.
- Fundraising Support: Volunteers are needed to help organize bake sales, raffles, silent auctions, and bottle drives to meet the $7,000 goal.
The Sampson-Kelly family continues to express deep gratitude for the outpouring of prayers, shares, and hands-on help from across the Skeena Region and beyond.
