(UPDATE: June 13 @ 11:45 am) - The search for JM (Julia-Mary) Lane has come to a tragic end.
The RCMP has confirmed to NowMedia that the 25-year-old has been found dead by searchers after her vehicle was discovered parked near Bear Lake, a hiking area northeast of Cranbrook.
Cpl. James Grandy said search and rescue, police dog services and a drone were all used in the search for Lane. Her death is not considered suspicious at this time.
She was reported missing by her housemate on Sunday because she had not heard from her since Saturday, when Lane had planned to go on a hike.
"The roommate was concerned for the woman, who was visiting the area from Australia, and enjoyed hiking and the outdoors," Grandy explained.
The RCMP is supporting the BC Coroner Service during its investigation into Lane's untimely death and offered their thoughts to her family and friends.
(Original story: June 13 @ 9:15 am) - There’s a significant amount of concern for an Australian woman living in the Kootenays who has been missing since leaving for a hike on Saturday.
JM (Julia-Mary) Lane’s housemate Janet Hamilton made the first post regarding her disappearance on Monday morning, saying she hadn’t seen her since Saturday afternoon.
“She came to Kimberley from Canmore just for a week, with plans to hike most days,” Hamilton wrote. “She drives a Ford Escape SUV, about 10 years old, light taupe colour, bike rack attached to the hitch, Alberta plates.”
Hamilton later updated the post to say Lane’s vehicle was reportedly found in the Bear Lake hiking area, northeast of Cranbrook.
“I just spoke to her family in Australia and they are all very worried,” Hamilton wrote in another update to her post. “Disappearing like this is completely out of character for JM. They are normally in contact with her daily and have not heard from her since Saturday morning.”
Lane’s brother Conor took to social media on Monday as well, sharing Hamilton’s post and urging anyone who has heard from her about her hiking plans on Saturday to come forward.
He added that police are out looking in the area where it’s believed her car was found.
The Cranbrook RCMP told NowMedia that an official police statement about the investigation will be released today. We will update this story when that happens and more information becomes available.
