CANADA Canada - Ben Tyner, 32, cowboy, horse returned w/o him, Merritt, British Columbia, 26 Jan 2019 - #2

[zecats]

I think it's often helpful to look back at statements from the beginning. Here's another article dated Jan 31

Horse belonging to missing Merritt cowboy arrived at ranch unscathed

The horse owned and last ridden by missing cowboy Ben Tyner arrived at the Nicola Ranch unscathed with nothing to indicate how it had lost its rider, according to the ranch office manager.

Tammy Straya told Postmedia News that Tyner had brought the horse with him from Wyoming when he took the job as Nicola Ranch’s ranch manager three months ago.

“The horse is good. Nothing attacked the horse; something might have scared it, but there’s no blood, no spur marks, no scratches. It’s his horse, and it’s a gentle horse,” Straya said.

“We don’t know where he was going. It’s totally out of character for him to leave the ranch without notifying someone. None of this is adding up. It’s a flippin’ mystery,” she said, adding the search was weighing heavily on ranch staff.

“It’s so horrible, none of us have ate or slept. We’re worried sick.”

The weather has been cold and mostly clear around Merritt for the past few days.

Merritt RCMP spokeswoman Tracy Dunsmore told media that Tyner was likely dressed for the weather, but there’s nothing to suggest he brought gear for an overnight stay.

Straya said she was not sure if Tyner would have had a lighter on him.

“We’ve only known Ben for three months,” she said. “Did Ben have a lighter on him? I don’t know. I sure as hell hope so.”

BBM

 

[zecats]

Does any one have photos of Swatcum Mountain in better weather to get an "on the ground" perspective of how big etc it is? Just curious. One of Winnie Flats? Thanks. Just trying to wrap my head around it. Hard to do with just maps ya know. I found lots of photos on google but don't know which is which. excuse misspelling and such.

Try this link and hover over Swakum Mountain. Photos and video options will pop up.

Merritt, British Columbia on Trailforks

ETA Haven't been able to find anything about Winnie Flats location etc.

 

[zecats]

Dated Feb 5

Search For Missing Wyoming Cowboy Suspended

A hunter found Tyner’s horse wandering alone in the bush in full tack early the following Monday. Tyner had been hired as a ranch manager in November

A seven-day long search was launched and as many as many as 19 teams from across the province, dog tracking teams, air support, drones, riders and community volunteers searched in vain for the missing man. RCMP Constable Tracy Dunsmore said rescuers were hindered by the fact they had no indication of where Tyner was headed when he left home.

In a news release, Dunsmore said that crews searched extensively in the area where the horse was found, and extreme cold and poor weather all contributed to suspending the search.

“Part of the work we’ve been trying to do is piece together a timeline and piece together information about how Ben was transported — was he transported by a trailer — and we don’t have any confirmation of that at all,” search-and-rescue incident commander Paul Berry said. “Nothing has been identified at this point to indicate Ben or any of his footprints or any sign of Ben in relation to the horse.”

BBM

 

[zecats]

According to this article dated Jan 22, 2019, the arson suspect was released on bail.
Unless they rearrested him after this article, he was out when Ben went missing.

The second article says he was released on bail on Friday which would have been Jan 18.

Man Accused Of Arson Released On Bail

Suspect in Merritt church arsons released on bail

To follow this line of thought.

https://www.columbiavalleypioneer.c...erritt-church-considered-possible-hate-crime/

A nearly 150-year-old church has been destroyed by a suspicious fire in British Columbia’s southern Interior, one of two blazes at Merritt-area churches early Friday.

The historic Murray United Church on Highway 5A in the Nicola Valley was built in 1876.

“Two churches within an hour and there (are) definite arson signs there, so we are looking for any information,” says Dunsmore.

She says arson to a church is considered to be a hate crime.

Noted: This church is located in the area of old town site, where residences for ranch employees are also located. Does this include Ben's residence I wonder? Did he live near where this fire occurred? JMO

 

[zecats]

In addition, Ben's comments about the church fire and the arsonist:

Search continues for missing rancher in B.C.’s Interior

Notably, Global News talked to Tyner after the recent arsonist church fires in Merritt on Friday, Jan. 11.

The Crossroads Community Church on Voght Street suffered some damage, but the 143-year-old Murray United Church north of Merritt was completely destroyed, reduced to a pile of ashes.

“Well, it’s tragic, really,” Tyner told Global News on a cool, overcast day with snow partially covering the ground, with puffs of smoke rising from the burned-out remains of the church in the background.

“The church has been a landmark here for well over 100 years . . . it’s been part of the community,” continued Tyner. “I know I’m not from here, I didn’t grow up around it, but I know a lot of people that did. This morning, it’s been very upsetting. It’s definitely a tragic loss.

“It was a historic point for this area; it was one of the oldest churches in B.C., to my understanding. Just a senseless act and a very tragic and irreplaceable loss.”

Asked what he would say to the arsonist, Tyner gave a horse-sense response.

“I don’t know that I’d . . . I don’t know that he would warrant any of my time to comment to. I don’t think anyone that would stoop that low would be worth talking to.”

BBM

 

[Trudie]

@zecats tysm for bringing fire info over. After so much time, it’s easy to forget dates & events.
I’m starting anew with my sleuthing, lol.
I’m concerned about the latest “he disappeared in late January” comment in above link.
Originally, I assumed maybe Ben had a date or went for a drink Saturday night, verified by camera. Then that sighting was pretty much replaced with the 2pm Saturday as the last. Now, “late January”, which is quite broad, imo.

 

[zecats]

@zecats tysm for bringing fire info over. After so much time, it’s easy to forget dates & events.
I’m starting anew with my sleuthing, lol.
I’m concerned about the latest “he disappeared in late January” comment in above link.
Originally, I assumed maybe Ben had a date or went for a drink Saturday night, verified by camera. Then that sighting was pretty much replaced with the 2pm Saturday as the last. Now, “late January”, which is quite broad, imo.

Welcome. It's beneficial to look back and reread/ refresh. Stoke the memory of what's been stated etc. Despite sometimes conflicting reports.

Last seen in late January means to me either they haven't narrowed it down at all because it was hearsay in the first place....or they're just rounding it off instead of clarifying now. OR MSM is the one who's rounding it off, maybe due to lack of clarity from RCMP.

I think RCMP may know when he went missing if they know enough to call it criminal..Somewhere between Jan 25-28 and they want tips and video footage from that inclusive time...instead of just one day for example. All jmo.

 

[Trudie]

......or LE wants to keep the date from the public/perp at this time. As we know, a suspect can really dig a hole when he starts putting himself in a certain location, at a certain time, creating an alibi. I ask myself “will they ever learn”, as in security cams are on every corner, not much we do is private.

 

[Trudie]

In addition, Ben's comments about the church fire and the arsonist:

Search continues for missing rancher in B.C.’s Interior

Notably, Global News talked to Tyner after the recent arsonist church fires in Merritt on Friday, Jan. 11.

The Crossroads Community Church on Voght Street suffered some damage, but the 143-year-old Murray United Church north of Merritt was completely destroyed, reduced to a pile of ashes.

“Well, it’s tragic, really,” Tyner told Global News on a cool, overcast day with snow partially covering the ground, with puffs of smoke rising from the burned-out remains of the church in the background.

“The church has been a landmark here for well over 100 years . . . it’s been part of the community,” continued Tyner. “I know I’m not from here, I didn’t grow up around it, but I know a lot of people that did. This morning, it’s been very upsetting. It’s definitely a tragic loss.

“It was a historic point for this area; it was one of the oldest churches in B.C., to my understanding. Just a senseless act and a very tragic and irreplaceable loss.”

Asked what he would say to the arsonist, Tyner gave a horse-sense response.

“I don’t know that I’d . . . I don’t know that he would warrant any of my time to comment to. I don’t think anyone that would stoop that low would be worth talking to.”

BBM

Ze, do you recall us discussing the arsonist & it was reported he was definitely in custody when Ben disappeared? Of course, with the lack of clarity regarding date of disappearance, idk if we could know.
I’m unable to find the link but vividly recall the discussion, as well as the reply.

 

[ilovewings]

I googled Ben Tyner's name and there is absolutely nothing new since mid-February.

 

[Trudie]

I googled Ben Tyner's name and there is absolutely nothing new since mid-February.

The info about possibly involving criminality is recent.
Read back a few pages, links available.

 

[zecats]

Ze, do you recall us discussing the arsonist & it was reported he was definitely in custody when Ben disappeared? Of course, with the lack of clarity regarding date of disappearance, idk if we could know.
I’m unable to find the link but vividly recall the discussion, as well as the reply.

The first media report after he was arrested stated he was in custody and how they came to find evidence to arrest him. Didn't mention bail or release. Thinking we all presumed that was that. I think the way LE moves up there, news gets released slowly. And out on bail MSM report wasn't noticed by us at first. No one thought to look again, honestly I didn't. Feb 5 there was an update and statement made that he reappeared in court and would be back March 5. As I said before, there is nothing new about March 5. Nothing new period.

He definitely was out on bail when Ben disappeared though, that we now know.

 

[Satchie]

@Satchie, could you please tell me how we know where Gunny was found. I'm interested but just can't find it in the thread. Thanks.

Hi Silly Billy, I used the information from the RCMP: his rider-less horse was discovered on a logging road off Highway 97C near Winnie Flats. RCMP in British Columbia - Dash Cam Footage Wanted in Missing Cowboy Investigation

I don't know where Winnie Flats is, so not sure how far north along 97C.
However, it was along the east side of 97C: "The search area is currently about a 15-kilometre radius north of Merritt in the area between Highway 97C and the Coquihalla."
Searchers narrow time frame of Merritt cowboy's disappearance

Also some details from the guy who found the horse:
" Hunter Kim Robinson told Global News he found the horse about seven kilometres up a logging road, still fully-equipped." Mystery of missing Merritt cowboy deepens as search continues amid plunging temperatures

Unfortunately, logging roads are rarely straight, so we don't know how far from 97C that might be. The local paper captured another comment from him, about the suggestion Ben had ridden his horse over the mountain: "I told the search and rescue up there ‘Don’t waste your time and energy looking in this direction because a horse did not come from [the Nicola Ranch side of the mountain]'.” Missing cowboy leaves no trace - Merritt Herald

 

[Trudie]

Hi Silly Billy, I used the information from the RCMP: his rider-less horse was discovered on a logging road off Highway 97C near Winnie Flats. RCMP in British Columbia - Dash Cam Footage Wanted in Missing Cowboy Investigation

I don't know where Winnie Flats is, so not sure how far north along 97C.
However, it was along the east side of 97C: "The search area is currently about a 15-kilometre radius north of Merritt in the area between Highway 97C and the Coquihalla."
Searchers narrow time frame of Merritt cowboy's disappearance

Also some details from the guy who found the horse:
" Hunter Kim Robinson told Global News he found the horse about seven kilometres up a logging road, still fully-equipped." Mystery of missing Merritt cowboy deepens as search continues amid plunging temperatures

Unfortunately, logging roads are rarely straight, so we don't know how far from 97C that might be. The local paper captured another comment from him, about the suggestion Ben had ridden his horse over the mountain: "I told the search and rescue up there ‘Don’t waste your time and energy looking in this direction because a horse did not come from [the Nicola Ranch side of the mountain]'.” Missing cowboy leaves no trace - Merritt Herald

@Satchie so, Gunny was NOT on NR property? Maybe adjacent?

Also, for anyone interested, a bit of NR history. It is a very cool place, imo. Reminds me of an old movie setting.

Upper Nicola - Explore Gold Country

 

[Satchie]

Does any one have photos of Swatcum Mountain in better weather to get an "on the ground" perspective of how big etc it is? Just curious. One of Winnie Flats? Thanks. Just trying to wrap my head around it. Hard to do with just maps ya know. I found lots of photos on google but don't know which is which. excuse misspelling and such.

If you have Google Maps, someone can do a virtual drive north along 97C. There might even be a small sign for Winnie Flats.

Here's the view of Swakum Mtn shortly after the start of 97C.

 

[zecats]

Hi Silly Billy, I used the information from the RCMP: his rider-less horse was discovered on a logging road off Highway 97C near Winnie Flats. RCMP in British Columbia - Dash Cam Footage Wanted in Missing Cowboy Investigation

I don't know where Winnie Flats is, so not sure how far north along 97C.
However, it was along the east side of 97C: "The search area is currently about a 15-kilometre radius north of Merritt in the area between Highway 97C and the Coquihalla."
Searchers narrow time frame of Merritt cowboy's disappearance

Also some details from the guy who found the horse:
" Hunter Kim Robinson told Global News he found the horse about seven kilometres up a logging road, still fully-equipped." Mystery of missing Merritt cowboy deepens as search continues amid plunging temperatures

Unfortunately, logging roads are rarely straight, so we don't know how far from 97C that might be. The local paper captured another comment from him, about the suggestion Ben had ridden his horse over the mountain: "I told the search and rescue up there ‘Don’t waste your time and energy looking in this direction because a horse did not come from [the Nicola Ranch side of the mountain]'.” Missing cowboy leaves no trace - Merritt Herald

I also read earlier in this thread (maybe thread #1) posted by a local that the search should be moved to the back side of Swakum Mt instead of the side towards the ranch, since that's the area that was being pinpointed by those who found the horse. I haven't found any info on Winnie Flats either. Perhaps a local would know that spot. Also stated as referenced by @Satchie with KR's comments. Also JMO

 

[zecats]

@Satchie so, Gunny was NOT on NR property? Maybe adjacent?

Also, for anyone interested, a bit of NR history. It is a very cool place, imo. Reminds me of an old movie setting.

Upper Nicola - Explore Gold Country

You are correct. I found that many movies have been filmed in this area.

Top 10 locations in B.C. where Hollywood crews love to make movies

"
Thompson-Nicola region
The relatively warm and dry region of interior B.C., three hours drive northeast of Vancouver, has long appealed to film and TV producers in search of deserts and grasslands.

Producers who insist a desert can’t look authentic without prickly pear cactus will find plenty of the spiny plant here.

They will also find hoodoos, dramatic rock formations, sagebrush, rolling hills, box canyons, lakes, sculpted valleys, clay cliffs and gullies. Kamloops and Merritt are among the region’s 11 municipalities.

The Ashcroft Slough, one of the Thompson-Nicola’s most popular shooting locations, has doubled for Ethiopia, Mexico, Afghanistan, Tibet, Texas and Wyoming.

Among the dozens of productions that have taken advantage of the region’s arid good looks are Lost Treasure of the Grand Canyon, Miss Texas, Battlestar Galactica, Shana — The Wolf’s Music, The A-Team, Shooter and The Andromeda Strain."

 

[Jim_M]

@Satchie so, Gunny was NOT on NR property? Maybe adjacent?

Also, for anyone interested, a bit of NR history. It is a very cool place, imo. Reminds me of an old movie setting.

Upper Nicola - Explore Gold Country

What gorgeous looking country! IMO worth a visit on my bucket list

 

[Sillybilly]

I don't know where Winnie Flats is, so not sure how far north along 97C.
However, it was along the east side of 97C: "The search area is currently about a 15-kilometre radius north of Merritt in the area between Highway 97C and the Coquihalla."
Searchers narrow time frame of Merritt cowboy's disappearance

Thank you Satchie.

The Winnie Flats fire in 2005 (bottom of article) was said to be 2 km north of Merritt. Don't know if that 2 km related to the southern fireline or northern. It was said to have been caused by an accident on the Coquihalla but I'm not sure why the article says that ... the Coquihalla veers to the south on the east side of Merritt.

I don't know why anyone would have said Ben didn't go over Swakum Mtn ... there are all sorts of off-roading trails, snowmobile and biking trails referred to on tourism maps.

On another note, I wonder if Ben knew there was a Tyner Lake north of Merritt. (Looks like east of 97C but the numbers on the map are a bit blurry.)

 

[zecats]

Thank you Satchie.

The Winnie Flats fire in 2005 (bottom of article) was said to be 2 km north of Merritt. Don't know if that 2 km related to the southern fireline or northern. It was said to have been caused by an accident on the Coquihalla but I'm not sure why the article says that ... the Coquihalla veers to the south on the east side of Merritt.

I don't know why anyone would have said Ben didn't go over Swakum Mtn ... there are all sorts of off-roading trails, snowmobile and biking trails referred to on tourism maps.

On another note, I wonder if Ben knew there was a Tyner Lake north of Merritt. (Looks like east of 97C but the numbers on the map are a bit blurry.)

West of 97. If this map helps

Google Maps

And thanks much for the Winnie Flats find.