By Ashley Legassic/Jill Sperling CFJC

Family of missing Merritt cowboy pleads for any information

Feb 13, 2019 | 12:13 PM

MERRITT — The family of a ranch manager in the Nicola Valley is asking for the public’s help in locating him.

Ben Tyner was reported missing last month after his horse was found fully geared and without its rider. The 32-year-old is a ranch manager at Nicola Ranch near Merritt. 

He was last seen the afternoon of Jan. 26, and the search for him was suspended on Feb. 6 due to treacherous weather conditions.

Tyner is originally from Wyoming, and his family is planning to return there today. The family held a news conference with Merritt RCMP this morning, during which family members asked the public to come forward with any information they may have that could lead them to Tyner.

Family members also believe when he went out riding, he was looking for cattle.

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The Southeast District’s Major Crimes unit was called in to assist with the investigation last week.

Police say it’s not unusual in these types of cases in rural areas for the Major Crimes Unit to assist. It’s not an indication that there are criminal connections to the case.

“Although we cannot reveal all aspects of the active and ongoing investigation, we are committed to providing updates when they are available,” says Merritt RCMP Const. Tracy Dunsmore. “It’s easy for rumours and theories to take place as the search continues. The RCMP want to confirm that there have been no major developments or arrests at this time and hope that the community will continue to support each other during this time.”

There’s no indication of foul play at this point. 

The RCMP is asking anyone who may have seen Ben Tyner during the weekend of January 26 and 27 or a truck and trailer that may have transported him to the Swakum Mountain or OK Forest Service Road off Mamit Lake Road, to contact the SED MCU tip line at 1 (877) 987-8477.

Tyner’s mom Jennifer, dad Richard and brother Jack, have been in Merritt since early on in the search and are making a public plea for information.

“To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement,” his mom states. “Our hearts are shattered and our lives have been thrown into an endless turmoil. We feel as if we are only shells of the people we were before our son, Ben Tyner, went missing over two weeks ago.”

“To think that I will never again see his smile or hear his infectious laugh, never see him realize his dreams, never have him wrap his arms around me again is unthinkable. Our son loved life and touched so many people during his life.”

“When I look at what Ben accomplished during his short time here I am blown away,” his father said. “He touched so many lives on his way to accomplishing his dreams, that it is truly amazing. I really hope that in some way he knows how loved and how special he was.”