(Update: Oct. 9, 2022): The search for missing woman Jacqueline McDermott has come to a tragic end after her body was found on Oct. 8, 2022.
The 22-year-old from Waterloo was reported missing by her family on Oct. 1, 2022.
"Although a full determination has yet to be made, RCMP do not believe that criminality was involved in the woman's sudden death," said Sgt. Chris Manseau.
The BC Coroners Service has been notified and has launched a concurrent fact-finding investigation into her death.
(Original story: Oct. 7, 2022):
Police are continuing their search for a young woman from Waterloo who went missing near Merritt this week.
Jacqueline McDermott, age 22, was reported missing to police on Oct. 1, 2022, and seven days later only her broken down van has been found.
Her vehicle was located on Highway 97C between Merritt and Logan Lake, and community members recall seeing Jacqueline around her vehicle on Sept. 29.
Jacqueline was planning on attending a yoga retreat near Merritt on Sept. 30, but left after a short time.
An Instagram page has also been started to get more information about her disappearance out there. That page states that Jacqueline was also seen near her van on the morning of Oct. 1. Her van was later found abandoned the same day.
An extensive search on land and air was conducted by RCMP Air Services, Police Dog Services and Search and Rescue, but there has been no sign of Jacqueline.
A GoFundMe that was started for her family has surpassed $40,000.
“Every time you close your eyes, you go down a rabbit hole that you don’t want to go down... Basically disappeared without a trace. It’s unbelievable. It’s crazy,” said Nathalie, Jacqueline’s mother.
Jacqueline McDermott is described as Caucasian, 5’7’’, 111 lbs, with a medium build, curly blonde hair, and a nose ring.
If you see Jacqueline, or know where she may be, contact the Merritt RCMP at (250) 378-4262.
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