The search for a man last seen in Coquitlam one year ago has reached a tragic conclusion.
Ryan McAuley, who had late onset schizophrenia at the age of 29, went missing in Coquitlam in February 2019 while he was living at Cypress Lodge on the Riverview Hospital grounds. McAuley was attending university at the time of his diagnosis.
In one of the only pieces of evidence that turned up after his disappearance, McAuley was last seen at 10 a.m. Feb. 15, 2019 when his image was captured on a video camera at a store on the 11000-block of 200 Street in Maple Ridge.
“He does need his medications, he does need help. We need to know Ryan is safe,” Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin said at the June 2019 press conference calling for the public’s assistance.
At the time, Mounties said they were investigating dozens of tips and had activated the Missing Persons Unit as they searched for the man. Officers completed regular checks at hospitals and shelters; monitored border crossings; took DNA samples; checked in with taxi services; and reviewed phone, social media and banking information.
At last June's press conference, McAuley’s father, Ron, said: “Ryan, if you are listening to this, please come home. Your family misses you, loves you and wants you back home.”
At the time, the family said it hoped he could be found before his birthday, which was June 22.
Six months later, on Dec. 27, 2019, Ridge Meadows RCMP received a report that human remains had been found near the Katzie Slough trails. By Jan. 28, the BC Coroners Service identified the human remains as those of McAuley.
While foul play isn’t suspected, Ridge Meadows RCMP announced this week that they are seeking public assistance to speak with anyone who may have spoken to or seen McAuley in Pitt Meadows, or walking the Katzie Slough trails anytime around last February.
McAuley is described as a 34-year-old Caucasian man with light brown or red hair. He was six feet tall, weighed about 240 lb., sported a beard and wore glasses.
He was last seen wearing a grey hoody with a navy blue jacket, blue jeans, running shoes and carrying a black backpack.
