The tragic disappearance of a Coquitlam hiker one year ago has prompted local Mounties to remount an effort to raise awareness about the case with the hopes of gaining new information.
Coquitlam RCMP are asking members of the public who may have seen or have information about Ali Safar Naderi to contact them.
The 52-year-old Persian man was reported missing just before 9 p.m. on Aug. 23, 2020. His vehicle was found on 2500-block Diamond Crescent and, according to police, Naderi was a regular hiker known to trek Eagle Mountain trails alone almost daily.
His disappearance came to light when a citizen called police after observing that Naderi’s vehicle had been parked many hours longer than usual.
Coquitlam Mounties worked closely with Coquitlam Search and Rescue (SAR) in efforts to find Naderi.
“Although the investigation and search progressed, that progress has not lead to the missing hiker’s safe return home,” stated RCMP spokesperson Const. Deanna Law in a release issued today (Aug. 19).
At the time of Naderi’s disappearance, search and rescue teams spent a week combing trails in the Eagle Mountain area until the search was called off.
Investigators also searched Naderi’s vehicle and apartment for clues and spoke to his extended family and neighbours, the Tri-City News reported at the time.
The public responded to calls for information with dozens of tips and one individual provided an image of Naderi captured on a trail cam.
In the end, SAR brought in 183 trained volunteers who carried out 2,400 hours of searching. Teams used drones, helicopters and search dogs as they scoured 48,000 square metres of trail.
However, “each extra day of searching included entering riskier terrain with less certainty that they were looking in the right direction,” Coquitlam RCMP said at the time.
Police describe Naderi as:
- 5’10”
- 176 pounds
- Brown eyes
- Black, salt and pepper hair that curls over his ears
- Last seen wearing…
- Dark-coloured shorts
- Dark-coloured, lightweight hiking jacket
- Carrying hiking poles
If you have seen Naderi, or may have information about his whereabouts, you’re encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2020-22677.
