Richard David REES Missing Person Case

Richard David

REES

45

17

70 inches

70 inches

146 lbs

146 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

On a summer day in July of 1998, a then 17-year-old Richard David Rees set out for a day of sailing on Nottawasaga Bay in Meaford, Ontario. He was not alone; with him were his brother, Ronald Rees, and a friend, Gregory Cook. The trio was last seen on July 17, 1998, leaving Sunnyside Beach in a Schwill DS16 sailboat. At some point during their time on the water, a tragic incident occurred, leading to the boat overturning. The discovery of the capsized sailboat prompted a search and recovery effort. Within a week of the accident, the body of Ronald Rees was recovered. Despite the efforts of search teams, Richard Rees and Gregory Cook were not found. The initial search by the Canadian Coast Guard was extensive, and after it was officially called off, the families continued the search privately, hiring a U.S. firm with specialized underwater search equipment. Tragically, these additional efforts did not lead to the recovery of Richard or Gregory. In the wake of this devastating loss, the families of the young men, along with Ronald Rees's partner, Canadian singer/composer Loreena McKennitt, established The Cook-Rees Memorial Fund For Water Search And Safety. The fund was created as a meaningful legacy to honor the lives of Richard, Ronald, and Gregory. Its purpose is to promote water safety awareness and to provide funding for the training and equipment of underwater search and recovery teams to help prevent similar tragedies and to assist in recovery efforts. This case remains a painful memory of a day that ended in loss, but one that has also inspired a lasting commitment to water safety and the support of search and recovery operations in the hopes of sparing others from similar heartbreak.

Mark Upper Back, pale birthmark on right side

Jul 17, 1998

Nottawasaga Bay

Ontario

Grey County OPP OPP ONCMPUR ; 1-705-330-4144;

Ontario

[email protected]

1-877-934-6363

1-877-934-6363

Law Enforcement

20558-9

Grey County OPP OPP ONCMPUR ; 1-705-330-4144;

Brown

Blue

Blue

Build: Slender/Thin; Complexion: Light/Fair; Hair details: Curly

No