Summary based on the NamUs case record (can2023055905) and
1 other sourceIn the scenic mountain town of Whistler, British Columbia, a heart-wrenching story unfolded on October 9, 2023, when 80-year-old Robert Sam McKean, a male resident living with dementia, vanished while on a routine walk with his cherished 15-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lexi. The last confirmed sighting of Robert, affectionately known as 'Whitey,' was captured by a security camera at a construction site at the top of Alpine Way.
The footage showed him entering a trail with Lexi, but tragically, they were never seen exiting. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a green jacket, a blue Vancouver Canucks hoodie, blue jeans, and a baseball cap.
The disappearance of Robert and his faithful companion sparked an immediate and extensive search effort. Over the course of a grueling week, more than 300 search and rescue personnel from 21 different teams across the province dedicated over 2,600 hours to combing the rugged terrain of Whistler's Alpine Meadows neighborhood. The search was a collaborative effort involving the RCMP, Whistler and Garibaldi firefighters, and numerous community volunteers. Searchers utilized ground crews, canine units, helicopters, drones, and steep-terrain rope teams in their desperate attempt to find any trace of the missing senior and his dog. Despite their exhaustive efforts, no clues to their whereabouts were discovered, leading to the difficult decision to suspend the official search on October 16, 2023, pending any new information.
The community and law enforcement have not given up hope. The Whistler RCMP have continued to investigate, following up on any leads and conducting further searches as the snow melted in the spring. Signs have been erected at various trailheads to remind the public to remain vigilant and report any potential sightings or clues. In October 2024, the discovery of human remains near Whistler brought a momentary, yet ultimately unfounded, belief that Robert had been found; the BC Coroners Service later confirmed the remains were not his. The case of Robert Sam McKean is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced when a vulnerable person with dementia goes missing. Despite a massive and dedicated search effort, his and Lexi's whereabouts remain unknown, leaving his family and the community with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss. The investigation remains active as authorities and loved ones continue to hope for a resolution that will bring closure to this sorrowful mystery.Last Seen: Oct 9, 2023
