RCMP dive teams unable to find missing Vernon teacher

NORTH OKANAGAN – The search for a Vernon high school teacher who went missing last week continues. 

John Keeley, 58, went missing on July 18 after going kayaking on Mabel Lake. Police were alerted when he did not return by dinner time.

According to School District 22 Supt. Joe Rogers, Keeley is a math teacher at Vernon Secondary School.

“Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time,” Rogers says in a media release.
 
Vernon Search and Rescue, along with RCMP dive teams, have searched the lake extensively and so far been unable to locate Keeley. His unoccupied kayak was found on the lake last week, and his locked vehicle was located near the 22-kilometre marker on Mabel Lake forest service road.

RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Annie Linteau says the South East District RCMP dive team has completed its search.

“The rest of the lake is too deep,” Linteau says.

The search will continue by air on July 26, she says. Vernon Search and Rescue will also be continuing search efforts.

Keeley is described as a Caucasian man, 6'2" tall, 181 lbs., with a bald head and hazel eyes. No clothing description or photo of Keeley was provided by RCMP.

Anyone who has information about Keeley's whereabouts are asked to call Lumby RCMP at 250-547-2151.

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