Police renew call for tips in case of missing North Okanagan woman

VERNON – Police are reaching out to seasonal residents who may have been in the Enderby area during July as they try to piece together what happened to a North Okanagan woman who disappeared a month ago.

Deanna Wertz was last seen July 19 at her home on Yankee Flats Road, in the Enderby area. She told family she was going for a hike, but no one has heard from her since.

Wertz is an avid hiker and was known to enjoy long walks in the wooded area around her home, Cpl. Dan Moskaluk says in a media release.

Extensive efforts have been used over the past few weeks, including police service dogs, aircraft resources and search and rescue teams. In total, an eight square-kilometre area was scoured.

“The terrain covered includes dense bush and steep elevations which have been extensively searched,” Moskaluk says, noting many areas were re-searched again.

Now, police are expanding their appeal for tips.

“We would like to hear from any of the area’s seasonal residents that may have been in Enderby back in July, but have since returned to their permanent homes elsewhere, be it in British Columbia or Alberta,” Moskaluk says.

Hiking landmarks in the specific area of interest include Spa Creek, Spa Lake, Williams Road, Lionel Road and Watson Road.

“We are asking that anyone who may have seen Wertz on the morning of July 19 to contact police. Due to Wertz being an experienced hiker, investigators are specifically appealing to anyone who may have been travelling the off-road locations near the Yankee Flats Rd area on the morning of July 19,” Moskaluk says.

Police do not suspect foul play is involved in Wertz’s disappearance.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Deanna Mildred Wertz is urged to contact their local police detachment, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Deanna Wertz is described as roughly 130 lbs., with brown eyes, dark brown shoulder length hair and a dark complexion. She was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt and grey cut-off sweat pants.

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