It has been just over a year since Ben Tyner’s disappearance in the Nicola Valley.

The Wyoming cowboy, who was working as manager of Nicola Ranch, was last seen Jan. 26, 2019, and reported missing on Jan. 28 when his rider-less horse was found in the backcountry of Swakum Mountain.

Following his disappearance an intense search consisting of RCMP, more than a dozen search and rescue teams, air services, police dogs, drones and volunteers on snowmobiles, horseback and in vehicles and helicopters took place. Searches were eventually called off for poor weather and freezing temperatures, and yielded few clues.

RCMP Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey released a statement to the Herald on Monday relating to the anniversary of Tyner’s disappearance.

“The investigation into the disappearance of Ben Tyner continues, being diligently led by the Southeast District Major Crime Unit (SED MCU). To date, several investigational avenues have been explored, however in order to protect the ongoing investigation police are unable to share those findings publicly at this time.”

Local RCMP enlisted the help of the Major Crime Unit when they were unable to locate any sign of the rancher and felt that the disappearance could involve foul play. It was officially labeled “a suspicious disappearance” on March 19, 2019.

Tyner’s family, who still live in Wyoming, travelled to Merritt and took part in the searches for two weeks before returning home. Ben’s mother, Jen Tyner, has said, “The first two weeks after Ben went missing, we were in Merritt assisting with the search and helping the authorities. Due to winter weather the search was called off after a week. Sadly, we had to pack Ben’s belongings and bring his truck and trailer back to Wyoming, as well as his three horses and two dogs.”

She adds that the RCMP have kept her updated on the case, and any new leads that may develop. “Since returning home we have been in weekly contact with the RCMP. They are still actively working Ben’s case. Our Wyoming Senator, Mike Enzi, has been very helpful in getting the FBI and State Department involved in assisting the RCMP.” 

Tyner is one of a handful of men who have gone missing in the Merritt area over the past several years, including 44-year-old Dean Kelly Morrison, who disappeared from Stump Lake Ranch on Highway 5A in 2013 and has not been seen since. In 2017, Luke Neville, then 48, went missing in Spences Bridge, roughly one hour from Merritt.

Regarding Tyner’s disappearance, Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey went on to say, “Major crime investigators have reason to believe that criminality was involved and continue to investigate Ben Tyner’s disappearance as a possible homicide. With the one-year anniversary date of his disappearance, police are once again appealing to the public for tip information.” Anyone with any information is urged to call their local RCMP, the Southeast District Major Crime Unit Tip Line at 1-877-987-8477 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).