Family and community members searching for Thomas Kelly, who went missing in the Skeena River on July 12, are focusing their search efforts on the Skeena River estuary.
The estuary is an area that has not yet been thoroughly searched but is considered a high priority. Because of tidal influence, strong currents, and shifting conditions, Trudell said the family is seeking advice from people with personal or professional experience navigating or working in the estuary near Port Essington, Raspberry Island, and Haysport.
Community members with Search and Rescue expertise are also being asked to consult on logistics and help assess the safety and feasibility of a search operation in this section.
“We are planning one final large-scale search effort before winter,” said Jahaziel Trudell, spokesperson on behalf of Kelly’s family, in a Facebook post.
The post added thanks to those who have supported the search so far, including members of Lax-Kw’alaams, Kitselas, Kitsumkalum, other community groups, public volunteers, local businesses, and MLA Claire Ratté.
“Your advocacy, knowledge of the land and water, and willingness to help mean so much to Tom’s family and to all of us involved. Every contribution of knowledge and support brings us closer to safely covering this last high-priority area and, we hope, bringing some closure to his loved ones.”
In an earlier post, Trudell urged residents and those spending time along the Skeena to be alert to remains and personal items that may surface after weeks in the water. They explained that soft tissue may no longer be present, bones may be stained or darkened, and remains are more likely to be settled on the river bottom or deposited on shorelines and estuary flats rather than floating.
Clothing could be torn and discoloured, footwear may remain partly intact, and items such as glasses or a wedding band may still be identifiable. A PDF with full details of Kelly’s personal effects has been shared in a pinned post on the Finding Thomas Kelly Facebook page.
Search organizers asked that anyone who finds potential remains or belongings mark the location as precisely as possible — either with GPS or nearby landmarks — and contact Terrace RCMP at 250-638-7400 or 911 in urgent cases. They also requested that items not be disturbed and, if possible, that members of the support team be notified so they can follow up with police.
“Even the recovery of a single shoe, a piece of clothing, or a personal belonging can provide answers and bring Tom closer to home,” Trudell wrote.
Kelly, a father and husband, disappeared while fishing with family on July 12. Official search efforts were called off two days later, prompting his family and supporters to call for more specialized resources. The Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team (HEART), a volunteer group from Manitoba, later joined the search with specialized underwater equipment.
Family members have said the responsibility of coordinating search efforts while grieving has been overwhelming, but they remain committed to finding answers.
“Thank you for your care, compassion, and vigilance,” Trudell said.
