TERRACE, B.C. – A morning that began with a happy, routine breakfast at Denny’s with his wife has turned into an ongoing nightmare for the family of Thomas Kelly, who is now the subject of an urgent, large-scale search after he went missing in the Skeena River.
The entire Skeena region is holding its breath, praying for the beloved husband, father, and grandfather who accidentally entered the river while fishing near the Usk Ferry crossing at approximately 6:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 12.
For his wife Shauna Kelly, the shock is unimaginable. The suddenness of the tragedy has left their family heartbroken, but determined to find him.
Thomas is known throughout the region not just as a family man, a father of three, but as a man who dedicated his life to others. For 25 years, he was a tireless volunteer for youth programs, a man who, in the words from the community members, “would give the shirt off his back for anyone.”
Now, the community he was a part of is rallying for him as well as the entire Skeena Region. The official response has been extensive, with the RCMP and dedicated Search and Rescue services from both Terrace and Kitimat actively operating search efforts, including recent operations on the Skeena River near Humpback Creek along the Terrace-Kitimat route.
The family do express their profound gratitude for these incredible and tireless efforts. They know that the RCMP and the SAR volunteers are doing their absolute best, and they want to thank them for their dedication. The family feels strongly that everyone involved shares the same singular goal, ensuring Thomas’s safety and bringing him home.
To supplement this ongoing official search, the family is making a heartfelt plea for additional resources that could make a critical difference. They are desperately hoping that anyone with specialized equipment, particularly water drones, might be able to assist in scanning the challenging river conditions. They are also reaching out to experienced boaters who have intimate knowledge of that specific stretch of the Skeena.
How You Can Help
The family is overwhelmed by the love and support they have received. For those across the Skeena region and beyond asking how they can help, the family has outlined several ways:
- Specialized Equipment: If you or someone you know has access to water drones or other advanced search technology, your expertise could be invaluable.
- Support the Search Fund: A GoFundMe page has been organized by the family. These funds will help cover the immense costs associated with the search, including private resources and equipment, and will support the family during this unimaginably difficult time. You can contribute here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/needed-help-for-rescue-help-family
- Share His Story: Please continue to share this information. The wider the reach, the greater the chance that the right help and resources can be found.
The Kelly family holds onto hope, fueled by the love of their community. Their singular focus remains on one thing, bringing Thomas home.
