Friends and family of Travis Sukkau are getting worried. The 19-year-old Winkler man has now been missing for more than 72 hours.
Sukkau left his Winkler home Thursday morning with a backpack, firewood and a container of gasoline and is believed to be somewhere in Pembina Valley Provincial Park.
James Shiels said the last few days have played out like a bad dream. His childhood friend, Travis Sukkau, went for a hike Thursday morning and has been missing ever since
"It's hard and you don't know, you don't know what's happened and that brings a lot of concern," he said.
Shiels says Sukkau is shy and keeps to himself, but most people in Winkler know him by name, as he works at the local movie theatre.
Shiels is coordinating volunteer efforts to act as a relief team. Volunteers were searching for Sukkau in the park on Friday and Saturday.
Volunteers were feeling hopeful after his car was found unlocked, but Sunday the RCMP called them off.
"Been in contact with some of the family, just helping coordinate some volunteers and there's been lots of people who have been willing to help, so right now we're waiting for the green light from the RCMP."
RCMP and search and rescue crews are still searching the park, using drones and the canine unit. There's approximately 700 acres to cover, with terrain that's tough to navigate through for even experienced hikers.
"It's just a rugged, rugged area to go and if you go off the track, then you’re gonna find problems,” said hiker Rudy Klassen.
Police say there's no timetable for how long the search will continue.
Sukkau's family says he's never disappeared before.
Police ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of Travis Sukkau to contact your local police department.
- With a report by Rahim Ladhani
