Foul play not suspected in two deaths at Sooke River; search continues for missing man

Two of three missing 20-year-old Sooke men — Cory Mills, Eric Blackmore, and A.J. Jensen — were found dead in the Sooke River on Sunday after disappearing late Friday night. Their unoccupied 2004 blue Dodge Dakota was found in the river; the two bodies were located nearby. RCMP Cpl. Chris Manseau said there is nothing to suggest foul play or that the men were impaired. A.J. Jensen remained missing. About 40 searchers were involved, including Juan de Fuca, Cowichan, and Ladysmith search and rescue, Metchosin firefighters, and the RCMP's Nanaimo-based dive team. Hundreds of Sooke residents had joined the search by 4x4 vehicle and boat, with at least 100 four-wheel-drive vehicles dispatched to logging roads. Jensen's stepmother, Carole Rittaler, said the men were last seen playing video games at Blackmore's home around 10:30 p.m. Friday before disappearing. Two command centres were set up at Lit Up Smoke and Vapour Accessories in Sooke and at Shirley fire hall. Heavy rain on Friday night caused elevated river levels and difficult road conditions.