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By Liam Verster
Missing Since 2016

Remains of woman missing over 10 years found near Yankee Flats

Sep 21, 2026 | 2:27 PM

Police have discovered the remains of a woman who went missing more than a decade ago.

Deana Mildred Wertz was reported missing July 22, 2016, and was suspected of being in the Yankee Flats area.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said that on Sept. 13, civilian dog trainers working in a thick, wooded area in the 2000-block of Yankee Flats Road in Salmon Arm came across human remains.

The remains were removed from the scene and positively identified to be those of Wertz.

Criminality was not suspected in the woman’s death.

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“This investigation has remained active for many years, and we recognize how difficult this has been for her family and those who knew and loved her,” Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, stated.

“While this is not the outcome anyone had hoped for, we hope that finding Deanna brings some measure of closure and we extend our sincerest condolences to her family.”

—

by Liam Verster
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