The search for a 65-year-old man who was swept away in the fast-moving Cheakamus River on July 1 is continuing this week, with help from police, search-and-rescue teams, volunteer drone operators, and concerned community members.
Illya Rechytskyy, a visitor from Israel, was last seen being carried downstream by the current near the Cheakamus Crossing area on Canada Day, according to witnesses.
Since then, his family—led by daughter Veronika Misyura—has organized daily search efforts, combing the riverbanks from the Cheakamus Crossing entry bridge down to Daisy Lake. Despite coordinated efforts from the RCMP, Whistler Search and Rescue, and volunteers using drones and helicopters, Rechytskyy has not yet been found.
In a message posted on July 7, Misyura called on the public to assist in two more search efforts today. One group planned to meet at noon at the Cal-Cheak Campground to search the lower section of the river at 12 p.m. A second group was scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. at the Cheakamus Crossing entry bridge, covering both sides of the river down to the Train Wreck bridge.
Misyura’s husband, Roman, is helping coordinate a team of licensed drone operators and urged those who can contribute to reach out by calling +1 (780) 883-0802
Volunteers are being reminded to follow strict safety protocols: maintain a safe distance from the river’s edge, never search alone, and leave children at home. Dogs should only be brought if trained and under control. Binoculars are recommended for better visibility.
In an earlier message to Pique Newsmagazine, Misyura explained her father was visiting Whistler on an extended stay after their family’s return flight to Israel was delayed due to conflict in the region.
“We actually just celebrated his birthday here in Whistler on June 15,” she said in a written message. “He is an Israeli citizen and also originally from Ukraine.”
At the time, Misyura said her mother’s elderly parents remained in Israel, unaware of the situation.
Anyone with information about Rechytskyy’s whereabouts is urged to contact the RCMP at 604-932-3044, referencing the file number #WP2025-3432.
