Families of missing pilot, passenger suspend search due to snowfall

The families of Dominic Neron and Ashley Bourgeault, who went missing while flying in a small aircraft near Revelstoke in late November, have suspended the search for their missing loved ones.

In a statement on social media, spokesperson Tammy Neron, sister of the pilot Dominic, said that adverse weather has contributed to the decision to suspend the search.

“It breaks my heart to say this but weather is not on our side anymore and heavy snowfall is accumulating in Revelstoke … all search efforts have to be suspended until the snow melts as helicopters and drones cannot search in these treacherous conditions,” Neron wrote. “It’s a scary terrain out here, the snow, dense trees and mountains consume you. We cannot put anyone’s safety at risk.”

Members of the families of Dominic Neron and Ashley Bourgeault join friends and Revelstoke residents after arriving here to keep the search for the missing pair going. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

Neron hopes that backcountry users in the area will keep their eyes out while in the backcountry this winter and next year after the snow melts.

“I pray someone spots Dominic’s plane, which will be found — it’s just a matter of time.”

The families are returning to Edmonton until the new year.

“I’m not sure how one lives without some kind of closure,” Neron said. “I know is this nightmare I’ve been resisting, and pouring every ounce of positivity and faith I had into, is slowly becoming a reality. It breaks my heart leaving Revelstoke, but I will never lose hope.”

Tammy Neron. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

Neron said that the generous outpouring of support for the family’s search efforts were “indescribable,” and thanked the many who helped with the search effort.

“I truly mean it, from the bottom of my heart when I say thank you to EVERYONE for keeping my spirits high, all the prayers, support, search efforts and UNCONDITIONAL LOVE during what’s been the hardest three weeks of my entire life! You make me love humans even more then I already did!”

The family is planning to use donations made via a GoFundMe account in place to be used for search efforts in the spring, after snow melts in the region.