Extensive search for missing hiker in Sooke suspended

Sooke RCMP have called off the search for a missing hiker after an extensive effort on the weekend failed to yield results. About 80 volunteers from approximately 10 agencies participated in efforts to locate Melissa McDevitt, reported missing to Victoria police on December 10, 2022. When asked about his family's condition, Tom McDevitt stated: "It's just another regular day in the hope of getting some news about the search for our daughter." McDevitt's vehicle, a 2015 grey Subaru Forester with North Carolina license plates, was discovered on December 10 near Sooke Potholes. The parents had returned to North Carolina on July 4 after searching since mid-May. Tom McDevitt explained the renewed search was prompted by recovered data: "The search wouldn't have restarted without the discovery of all sorts of information Melissa kept on her watch regarding her hikes that was retrieved recently." He appealed for witnesses from December 9–10, noting: "There's an unconfirmed report that a mountain biker passed here at 2:30 p.m. on Friday." Sgt. Kevin Shaw, acting Sooke RCMP detachment commander, stated: "There has been an outpouring of support for Melissa and her family since she went missing."