“We still haven’t heard anything.”
Riley is described as from Deloraine, 46 years old, 5 foot 11 inches in height, around 197 pounds with short grey and brown hair and blue eyes. Kennedy said he had been dropped off at the Brandon Hospital by his mother.When he left, he told the staff he would be back. The photo being distributed of him is from the hospital.
“He had not been feeling well,” Kennedy said. “He missed a bit of work. We are all worried about him.”
A long time employee of the business, Kennedy said disappearing like this is really out of character for Riley. There has been no activity on his credit card or anything like that, so there is a lot of concern.
The second search in Brandon was organized on May 26. Kennedy said Search and Rescue did not aid directly with it, but taught volunteers how to do it properly. He said there were over 30 people who showed up, including some from Deloraine.
“It was pretty remarkable. Boissevain is a pretty small community. People look out for one another. Everyone here at Goodon’s, we help each other, if someone needs help, we’re here. It was a really nice turnout.”
He added a member of the ownership group helped with the search. They looked over in the 1st Street area and by the riverbank. They did not come up with any clues to whereabouts. Video surveillance from Superstore suggested he was heading north on 9th Street before contact was lost. Kennedy said Brandon Police were looking for more video evidence from other buildings in the area.
Kennedy said this is not necessarily uncommon, but it is unusual for people directly impacted.
“It is a very strange mystery,” he stated. “It happens all the time, but it hits home when it happens close to you.”
This is obviously a difficult time for family and friends. Kennedy said they are working with a non-profit, getting advice and support. They want to work closely with Brandon Police Service. Co-workers are planning another search in Brandon, perhaps as early as this weekend. They are also hoping someone with information comes forward.
“We are definitely going to keep going. The more attention this gets, maybe someone who saw something will see it and respond. We definitely need volunteers for the next search, and we really, really need the general public. If they haven’t seen the story until now, then they need to come forward if they have any information. That’s how the leads come.”
Anyone with information can contact BPS at (204) 729-2345 or Brandon Crime Stoppers (204) 727-8477.
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff