Vernon Matters file photo

By Liam Verster

Missing Woman Found

Search and rescue crews instrumental in finding missing woman

Oct 9, 2025 | 10:19 AM

Local and regional volunteer first responders played a key role in finding a woman who went missing in Vernon Wednesday afternoon.

RCMP say 70 year old Colleen Ketcheson of Cherryville, and her dog Gizmo, wandered away from her family while shopping at the Home Depot on Anderson Way around 2 p.m., Oct. 8.

Ketcheson had been diagnosed with early onset dementia and her family and police were concerned for her wellbeing.

Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) said in a social media post that they dispatched crews to assist with the search. A team from Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) and Shuswap Search and Rescue also came in to lend a hand in casting a wide net to search for the woman.

Crews fanned out from the parking lot where she was last seen and acted on reports of possible sightings from the public, which eventually led to Ketcheson being found safe, though cold and tired, shortly before midnight.

Council grants

Vernon to distribute over $50k in Council Discretionary Grants, $20K to the food bank

24m ago

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

Dec 13, 2025

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

Dec 13, 2025

The missing woman was then reunited with her family.

“Moments like this remind us why we do what we do. It takes dedication, teamwork, and the strength of a community that looks out for one another,” VSAR said in a social media post.

“A heartfelt thank you to Shuswap SAR and COSAR for answering the call tonight! Our callouts take many hands — they take a village.”