Update, Sept. 23, 6:32p.m.: Bodies recovered in search for missing couple at Mount Edith Cavell, Jasper
Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 32-year-old Matthew Kozak and 25-year-old Zabrina Paige Ferrier, who haven't been seen since Sept. 18, 2020.
Kozak was last seen at work in Forestburg, Alta, on Sept. 18 and Ferrier was last seen in Galahad on Sept. 18. They were reported missing by family members.
The couple have often gone to Mount Edith Cavell Road trails and their Hyundai Kona vehicle was located in a parking lot at this location on Monday, Sept. 21.
Kozak is described as: Five feet, eight inches tall, about 200 pounds, short red hair, blue eyes, Caucasian. He's reported to have had hiking gear and a tent with him.
Ferrier is described as: Five feet, seven inches tall, about 140 pounds, blond shoulder-length hair, blue eyes, Caucasian.
Sgt. Rick Bidaisee, Detachment Commander in Jasper, said ground and air searches are underway and include RCMP dog services.
He noted the Parks Canada Visitor Safety Team is a key component to assist the RCMP with these types of searches.
The areas searched Sept. 22 included a number of different hiking trails, including at Edith Cavell, the Tonquin Valley and Verdant Pass.
"We ask the public to report any potential sightings or information that will lend to the investigation," Bidaisee said.
Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call Killam RCMP at 780-385-3509 or Jasper RCMP at 780-852-4421.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
