Sooke RCMP renew call for help finding man missing in Fairy Creek watershed area

Sooke RCMP renewed a public appeal for information on Gerald Kearney, 61, missing in the Fairy Creek watershed area since around 10 a.m. Oct. 13, 2021, more than three weeks at the time of writing. Kearney was last seen walking between two encampments along the Granite Mainline Forest Service Road and was known at the camp by the name Smiley. On Monday Nov. 1 the RCMP Emergency Response Team searched the area, including the banks on both sides of the trail, challenged by weather, terrain and safety concerns, assisted by a drone and police dog, per RCMP Sgt. Kevin Shaw. Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue also conducted searches over the preceding three weeks, with no more planned at the time of writing. A backpack belonging to Kearney was found early in the investigation, and Victoria Police made frequent visits to his residence, a boat where he lives alone.