In the quiet, rural community of Kelly Lake, British Columbia, 83-year-old Edmee (Eva) Mitchell was a familiar and beloved figure. Known for her love of the wilderness, she had spent over four decades hunting and trapping in the area. On the morning of August 20, 2004, the Indigenous woman was last seen at her home around 10:00 a.m. It was not uncommon for Eva, who was known to be a frequent berry picker, to venture into the woods, and her family initially believed she had just gone for one of her daily walks. However, as the day wore on and she did not return, a sense of unease began to settle over her loved ones. By evening, with no sign of her, she was reported missing to the Dawson Creek RCMP. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a red, long blouse.
The days that followed Eva's disappearance were filled with an extensive and desperate search effort.
Between August 21 and August 30, 2004, a search party of over 500 people, comprised of ground search and rescue teams from across British Columbia, RCMP helicopters, and police dogs, scoured the rugged terrain around Kelly Lake. The searchers' hopes were briefly raised when Eva's dog was found walking home alone the day after she vanished, but the canine was unable to lead them to her. Despite the comprehensive search, no trace of the elderly woman was found. Investigators were also looking into a report of an unknown male who had been living in a trailer not far from Mitchell's home, but this individual was never found or identified. Eva's family shared that she was blind in one eye, which may have caused her to become disoriented in the familiar landscape she knew so well.
Years have passed since Edmee (Eva) Mitchell was last seen, yet her case remains an open and active investigation with the Dawson Creek RCMP. Her disappearance left a void in her community and a lingering sense of sorrow for her family, who continue to hope for answers. The case is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring pain of not knowing the fate of a loved one. The overview of this case is one of a beloved elder who seemingly vanished from the wilderness she knew so well. Despite extensive searches and some leads, the passage of time has not yet brought the closure her family and community so deeply desire. Anyone with information regarding her disappearance is still encouraged to contact the Dawson Creek RCMP.Last Seen: Aug 20, 2004
