Official search for missing BC man called off, family continues efforts to find him

After six days of actively searching for missing man Nicholas Marion, Cowichan Search and Rescue has suspended its efforts.

Nicholas Marion, age 38, went missing after leaving a friend’s home in Youbou on Sunday morning at around 6:30 am. Police said he is not familiar with the area, as he was just visiting for the long weekend. The last confirmed sighting of Marion was July 1.

The RCMP told NowMedia that the search is suspended until new information is received regarding Marion’s possible whereabouts.

The investigation will remain open until he is found, added an RCMP spokesperson. Despite the official search being called off, Marion’s family has not given up yet.

In an update on social media, his wife Dory LaFrance, wrote that they will re-organize and re-strategize. Part of that effort includes a GoFundMe to allow LaFrance to keep looking and to hire private resources like search dogs.

According to family members, SAR started their search on Sunday evening. They have used various tools to try and locate Marion, including dogs, drones, boats, thermal and ground searches.

Civilian volunteers have also been trying to hike around the area in search of him, using GPS tools to track their routes.

“I’m scared and desperate to find my sweet beautiful husband. Overwhelmed with the immense amount of support from the RCMP, SAR teams from all over and the friends and family and strangers who worked so hard to cover such a large amount of area to find my husband and bring him home safely,” wrote LaFrance in an update this week.

LaFrance added that they are asking people who are still able to keep looking for clues of Marion while hiking around the area, including between Pine Point Campground and Maple Grove Campground.

Those out searching should keep an eye out at least 20 feet away from the trails for disturbance in the bush, LaFrance said.

Anyone with information regarding missing Nicholas Marion, are asked to call the Lake Cowichan RCMP at 250-749-6668.