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Search suspended for missing British Columbia senior Jane Whitehouse
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Search suspended for missing British Columbia senior Jane Whitehouse

Authorities suspended the search for a missing elderly person in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland last week, as her loved ones grapple with the heartbreaking uncertainty surrounding her disappearance.

Jane Whitehouse was last seen leaving her home in the Aldergrove community of Langley Township around 10 a.m. Friday, and the 82-year-old’s Dodge Grand Caravan was found on an isolated service road two days later .

“We’re all wondering why the vehicle is there, because it’s not a place she would normally be,” said family friend Melanie Sora.

“There are just a lot of unanswered questions.”

For days, search teams scoured the area where the vehicle was located — along East Harrison Forest Road, about a 90-minute drive from Whitehouse’s home — but found no sign of her .

With no new leads, Langley RCMP said Wednesday that search teams had stood down while awaiting new information that would help them focus their efforts.

However, investigators are still searching for witnesses and have urged anyone with information to come forward immediately.

“We are deeply concerned for Jane’s well-being,” said Cpl. » said Zynal Sharoom.

Although the RCMP continues to treat the case as a missing persons investigation, authorities “have not ruled out” any possibility, Sharoom added.

Sora described her missing friend as “spirited” and “very lively”, with a “wicked sense of humour” – but also as someone who cared for everyone around her.

Whitehouse’s sudden disappearance was heartbreaking for those close to him, Sora said.

“It’s not just stress and worry: it’s traumatic,” she said. “And at the same time, it’s a very private thing that you’re experiencing, but it’s very public.”

On Tuesday, Langley RCMP released a new image of Whitehouse showing her in a distinctive green jacket, which she was wearing at the time of her disappearance. Authorities hope the jacket might jog the memory of someone who has seen her since she disappeared on October 25.

Jane Whitehouse, 82, was last seen on October 25, 2024, wearing a distinctive green jacket. (Handout)

“If anyone saw her from Langley up that logging road, we want to hear from you,” Sharoom said.

Whitehouse is described as white, 5’1″, with a medium build and gray-blonde hair. Anyone with information can contact their local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

With files from Shannon Paterson of CTV News Vancouver