Search continues near Chilliwack for missing hiker Gordon Sagoo
Sagoo, 50, went missing in the Cheam Mountain Range in Chilliwack Sunday evening
The search for a missing 50-year-old hiker in the Cheam Mountain Range in Chilliwack will continue Wednesday morning.
Gordon Sagoo, an avid trail runner from North Delta, first went missing Sunday while hiking with two other people near the Baby Munday Peak in the Cheam Mountain Range.
Separation from hiking group
Sherril Budai was hiking the trail with Sagoo and another hiker at the time. She said Sagoo separated from the group to explore some other peaks, and planned on meeting them before returning to the trailhead.
"We thought that Gordon was ahead of us on the trail, we could see him in the distance," said Budai.
"When we got to the trailhead he wasn't there, so the other hiker went back looking for him."
Budai said her partner could not find any trace of Sagoo, and they both drove back to Chilliwack. The pair immediately called for search and rescue as soon as they had cellular reception.
Search crews from Chilliwack, Lions Bay, Surrey and Coquitlam searched the area around the peak all day Monday and Tuesday, but found no sign of Sagoo. Search personnel with experience hiking in extreme terrain were also called in to assist.
Manpreet Gill, Sagoo's niece, told CBC News he was carrying at least three litres of water with him at the time. She also said he was familiar with the terrain in the area.
"He's a very well-prepared individual," said Gill.
"Within the hiking group, he's one of the leaders … he's one of the people who usually navigates and ensures everyone's safety during the hike."
Search continues Wednesday
<a href="https://twitter.com/NEWS1130">@NEWS1130</a> family & friends concerned for Gordon Sagoo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BringGordHome?src=hash">#BringGordHome</a> <a href="https://t.co/yznMhSZGYy">pic.twitter.com/yznMhSZGYy</a>
—@gtoor21Staff Sgt. Steve Vrolyk with Chilliwack RCMP said that although Sagoo is a very experienced trail runner and hiker, he did not have the equipment required to spend an extended amount of time in the mountains alone.
Vrolyk said the search will resume Wednesday morning. Friends and family members have also started a fundraising page to raise money for Chilliwack Search and Rescue in light of the search.