RCMP seek driver as search for missing Langley senior continues

RCMP are looking for the driver of a white Mercedes SUV who was seen passing the van of a missing Langley senior last week, in hopes they may have information to aid the search. 

Jane Whitehouse, 82, was last seen leaving her home in Langley Township's Aldergrove community around 10 a.m. on Oct. 25.

Her grey Dodge Grand Caravan was found along East Harrison Forest Service Road near Kent two days later.

On Friday, police released two images taken from Oct. 25 surveillance footage along Hicks Lake Road. The first shows Whitehouse's Dodge Caravan being driven down the road around 4:10 p.m. The second, captured just a few seconds later, shows a white Mercedes SUV heading in the opposite direction and passing Whitehouse's van. 

"We're hoping to speak with that specific driver to learn if they saw anything out of the ordinary," Langley RCMP Cpl. Zynal Sharoom said.

"If they have any dash cam footage, we would definitely want to see it and speak with that driver."

Crews searched the remote area where the Dodge Caravan was found for 72 hours. The ground search was called off on Wednesday, but the investigation continues. 

Whitehouse's family have said her disappearance is out of character, and that their concern is rising as days stretch on and the weather worsens.

"She has always been very reachable to everyone. She never goes somewhere without someone knowing. And she's definitely not an outdoorsy person," Melanie Sora, a spokesperson for the family, said.

She said the family is hoping a ground search can resume over the weekend. They're also asking members of the public to search their own properties and notify RCMP of anything unusual. 

"Check your outbuildings, look along fence lines, maybe by shrubs. Honestly, when you're cold, wet, injured, tired, confused, you're probably going to seek shelter in anything that will give you a little bit of protection," Sora said.

Cpl. Sharoom said Whitehouse's distinct green fluorescent jacket is what allowed police to confirm she was driving the vehicle captured by the surveillance footage on Friday. They're hoping that same green jacket may help members of the public identify her.

He said the road where her vehicle was found is remote, and not usually frequented by vehicles other than logging trucks and the occasional camper. 

"It is very odd that her vehicle is up there. We're very concerned for Jane's well-being. Given the weather elements — [thing] getting cold and the rain setting in — we are very concerned," he said. 

Sora said the family is anxious, but grateful that the investigation remains active.

"She is a very caring and giving person. She has a brilliant sense of humour," Sora said. "She's just the epitome of what you would want a mother and grandmother to be."

Langley RCMP are asking anyone with information to come forward.