Despite efforts by multiple RCMP detachments, a private investigator and even privately funded searches by air, the family of Yashpal Mehay is no closer to knowing what happened three years ago when he disappeared.
Mehay, 43, went missing during a routine trip to attend to his Petro Canada gas station business in Clinton on July 14, 2009.
He was driving his grey 2004 Mazda MPV, B.C. licence plate 494 KVK, on a trip he had made to Clinton every other week for the previous three years. Police say there is no indication of any foul play, health issues, addictions, marital problems or criminal affiliations.
“The whole family is very devastated, especially Meetu his wife, my sister, and his two sons Barjesh and Bobby,” says brother-in-law Bhagwant Sandi.
The investigation into Mehay’s whereabouts revealed he had made a purchase at the Costco in Abbotsford and later at the Staples location in Chilliwack. Video surveillance indicated he was alone and not in any kind of distress.
It is believed Mehay would have traveled from Chilliwack to Clinton via Hwy 1 to Cache Creek, then north on Hwy 97 to Clinton, although investigators say he may have travelled the alternate route of Hwy 12 between Lytton and Lillooet and Hwy 99 between Lillooet and the junction with Hwy 97.
Mehay is described as a 43-year-old South Asian male, approximately 5’7”, 185 lbs, with short black hair, brown eyes, and a black moustache. He was last known to be wearing a striped green and white long-sleeved American Eagle shirt and khaki pants.
The Mehay family and the police are asking that anyone with information regarding his disappearance, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to come forward and contact Cst. Mike Halskov at 604-599-7691 or attend your local police station and reference Surrey RCMP file number 2009-86044. Alternatively, you can send the Missing Persons Unit an email at Surrey_Missing_Persons@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).