Ywanna Backman, 70 and known to family as Jean, was last seen on October 13, 2023, and had a final phone contact on October 15. Concern grew when she did not return to routine activity and, on October 19, Sprague RCMP conducted a welfare check at her rural home in the RM of Piney, Manitoba. Officers found her vehicle at the residence and personal items left inside, including her dentures. The kitchen suggested an interrupted morning: bread in the toaster and eggs on the counter that had not been finished.

An extensive search of her property and surrounding area was mounted by Manitoba RCMP Search and Rescue, Police Dog Services, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, and volunteer teams from Winnipeg Search and Rescue and the local community, but no trace was found. Investigators released a photo taken October 11 showing her in a distinctive green jacket police believe she may have been wearing when she disappeared. She lived alone and did not use a cell phone or computer, which limited digital leads. Her daughter, Vanessa Backman, has described the family’s deep distress and appreciation for community support. The Manitoba Integrated Missing Persons Coordination Centre continues to review tips and seek leads.

Does anyone in the RM of Piney or nearby remember seeing Ywanna in October 2023 or have information about her movements that week?