—UPDATE: 2:15 p.m., July 2—
The daughter of missing person Illya Rechytskyy is asking for the public’s help in locating her father.
Veronika Misyura told Pique in a message her father is from Israel, visiting Whistler on vacation.
"They live in Israel and were originally supposed to fly back on June 16. However, due to the situation in Israel—when the airspace was closed and flights were grounded—they decided to stay a bit longer to wait out the war," Misyura wrote in a text message.
"We actually just celebrated his birthday here in Whistler on June 15. He is an Israeli citizen, and also originally from Ukraine. Back in Israel, my mom’s elderly parents are still there. At this point, they are unaware of what has happened, and it’s going to be incredibly difficult to figure out how to share the news with them and organize everything that needs to follow," she wrote.
Misyura has publicly asked on Facebook for anyone with information to come forward.
"Yesterday evening, between 5 and 6 p.m., my father was unfortunately swept away by the current of the Cheakamus River. The police have found his belongings on the riverbank, and witnesses saw him in the water being carried downstream," she wrote.
"Search and rescue operations are ongoing, involving drones, helicopters, and ground crews. But I’m also reaching out to the local community for help. If you were in the area—or are currently near—Cheakamus Crossing Entry Bridge and along the river toward Daisy Lake, and you saw anything at all, please comment below or contact the RCMP directly. Even the smallest detail could be important."
—Original story, July 2—
The Whistler RCMP is seeking the public's help in the search for a missing man.
Illya Rechytskyy was last seen yesterday, July 1, at 5 p.m. near the Cheakamus River Bridge, police said.
Rechytskyy is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 65 years old. He has grey hair and was last seen wearing blue/purple shorts.
Anyone with information can contact the Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044, referencing the file number #WP2025-3432
With files from Liz McDonald
