Comox Valley renew search for missing man who disappeared in 2020

Comox Valley RCMP are renewing their search for a missing man, Michael Gazetas, who was last seen on January 31st, 2020.

Six years ago, Gazetas disappeared in his red 2011 Ford Ranger pickup truck and hasn’t been seen since. The truck’s BC licence plate read HX4109.

Police say that despite extensive searches following his disappearance neither Gazetas, nor his vehicle have been located.

This new plea for information on his disappearance comes due to many new hikers, hunters, campers, photographers and mushroom pickers exploring Vancouver Island’s backcountry. 

Police are asking those in the back country to remain observant in remote areas, especially surrounding northern Vancouver Island. 

Comox Valley RCMP pose that it remains possible that Gazetas’ vehicle may be in a location not visible from the road or in terrain that is difficult to reach. 

The hope is that if this theory is true, natural changes in the landscape over time may reveal areas that were previously obscured.

“We’re not expecting a miracle, but we want to keep the door open to hope — hope that one day we will know what happened to our brother. We’re asking anyone exploring the backcountry to keep their eyes open,” said Gazetas’ sisters, Calliope and Sophie. 

“The landscape changes over time, and something that wasn’t visible before may be visible now.”

RCMP says that even the smallest detail could be significant, whether it’s a vehicle part, disturbed terrain, an abandoned truck in a difficult-to-access area, or otherwise. 

“Our commitment to Michael’s family has not changed,” said Cst. Monika Terragni, Media Relations Officer, Comox Valley RCMP.

“We will follow up on every piece of information provided, and we remain determined to find answers.”

Police ask that anyone who has information on Gazetas’ disappearance, or who sees a red Ford Ranger with licence plate HX4109, call Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321, citing file number 2020-1779.