Rocky Mountain House RCMP are asking public assistance to locate 48-year-old Jeffrey Newton of Midale who was reported missing on Sept. 5, 2019. The search continues, but the family tends to believe Jeffrey has died.
According to the Canada Police Report, it is believed Jeffrey went hiking near Lake Abraham in Clearwater County. He is described as Caucasian, 5’7” tall, 135 pounds, red hair and blue eyes.
Professionals and volunteers keep looking for any signs of Jeffrey. However, not much hope is left that the man could have survived for such a long time.
Jeffrey’s family members Megan and Shannon Newton started a fundraiser for Rocky Mountain House Volunteer Search and Rescue Society.
“Everyone is asking what they can do to help. As a family, we have decided to set up an account that will support the volunteer associations that are assisting in the search for Jeff,” said Shannon Newton in a Facebook post on Sept. 9.
The link to the account can also be found on the page.
“Trust us when we tell you the area covered by drones, helicopter, infrared and by foot have been very extensive and thoroughly searched. Rest assured, the searches will continue as long as weather permits," Shannon continued in her post.
“We have in good faith accepted that no one, even the most seasoned outdoorsman, could survive the elements for this long without being properly equipped. Jeff was only planning on a quick afternoon hike so was not prepared to spend the night outdoors,” Shannon continued.
"There has been no smoke spotted, vocal calls for help or any other signs that Jeff is still surviving. So it is with a heavy heart that we must regrettably inform you that we believe Jeff is gone."
She also outlined that Jeffrey has never been happier than when he started mountain climbing.
"Have faith that Jeff is at peace in the mountains that he loved for so long," said Shannon.
“We're all so heartbroken and all we ask for is some answers. Trust when I tell you that the feeling of the unknown is haunting us all the most. I have not given up hope yet and until he is found, maybe I never will and that's what hurts the most. Please come home Uncle,” said Megan Newton on her Facebook page on Sept. 11.
They also created a page called In Memory of Jeff Newton where people who knew and loved him can share their memories and pictures of him.
However, if somebody has any information on the whereabouts of Jeffrey Newton, they are asked to contact Rocky Mountain House RCMP at 403-846-4300 or the local police service.
