Today marks 5 years since Ryan Shtuka disappeared at Sun Peaks

It’s been five years since Ryan Shtuka disappeared from Sun Peaks without a trace.

Shtuka, 20 years old at the time, went missing after leaving a house party shortly after 2 am on Feb. 17, 2018.

The seasonal worker from Beaumont, Alta. did not show up at work the next day, at which point his friends became concerned and called Shtuka’s parents, Heather and Scott.

They reported their son missing and jumped on a flight to British Columbia to join what would become a massive, but unfortunately unsuccessful, search effort.

Shtuka’s family has been back to Sun Peaks many times since his disappearance, both to search for their missing loved one and to spend time in a place that was so dear to his heart.

They are there again this weekend to mark the sad five-year anniversary of Shtuka’s disappearance and will be a part of ‘A Run for Ryan’ this afternoon.

“This is an opportunity for the Sun Peaks community and guests to gather and show their support for the Shtuka family while keeping Ryan top of mind five years since he was reported missing from Sun Peaks,” explained a Facebook post from the resort.

Anyone wishing to participate can meet at the top of the Sunburst Express chairlift at 3 pm to take part in a group ski down 5 Mile.

Once the group reaches the village, attendees can ride the Village Platter or Village Carpet to the top, where Shtuka worked during his season at Sun Peaks, for complimentary hot chocolate.

On Sunday, Shtuka’s mom Heather will be at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Conference Centre for a signing of her new book from 3-5 pm.

In the book, Missing From Me, Heather recounts the tragic tale of her son’s disappearance from her role as parent, search and rescue coordinator and, now, missing-person advocate.

For more information on Shtuka’s story, click this link.