The wife of a missing fisherman who fell into the Fraser River near Lillooet is determined to bring her husband home after 12 days of searching.
Randall “Alvis” Ned, a member of St’at’imc Nation, fell into the river while fishing on Sept. 6. The incident occurred near the “6 Mile” fishing grounds off Highway 99.
“According to witnesses Randall was fishing with a dip net when the current pulled on the dip net and he fell into the water,” said Lillooet RCMP in a press release.
Alvis’ childhood sweetheart Tamara Ned is not giving up hope. She has been at a camp near where he fell in since the heartbreaking accident. The loving couple have a 13-year-old daughter.
“We are still searching for him on land, on water and by air,” she told Pique. “I was 17 when we met at a ball tournament.” The pair have been inseparable since then.
Alvis knew the area like the back of his hand. “He loved fishing,” she said. “He was a traditional fisherman, a hunter. He fell in during our traditional fishing."
He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it. “He is well-loved by so many people,” she said. “He is always helping people.”
Alvis was fishing in a group at the time of the accident.
“There were a good few people there,” said Tamara. “One fishes, one packs, one cleans. They all have their duties that they share. They automatically called 911. I was just on my way to the fish camp at that time.”
The group sent a man tracker down the river to see which way it would go. They have asked people to let them know when they see the fluorescent orange device in the river. “We didn’t see it today,” said Tamara.
Life-long family friend Trish Andrew thanked everyone who has stepped up to help with the search.
“We are forever grateful for whoever jumped up and pitched in at a moment’s notice.” she said. “We are set up a bit down the river in a more central location that has internet and cell service.”
Tamara thanked the community for rallying around her.
“I just want to thank everyone who is volunteering and searching for him along the Fraser,” she said. “I keep them all in my prayers. It means so much to me.”
Her traditional faith is keeping her going during this awful time.
“We have had two ceremonies,” said Tamara. “We just had one this week. We had hand-drummers and bear dancers for the ceremony. We have medicine doctors helping us in the search.”
Rick Joe is a cousin of Alvis’ and a life-long fisherman himself. He is organizing a search from Island 22 in Chilliwack at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The relative is calling on Indigenous folk who fish the Fraser River to volunteer their time.
“One of my friends has a jet boat,” he said. “I’ve emailed the Fraser Valley Regional District office asking them to waive the fees for the Island 22 boat launch area.”
People are coming forward to supply more boats to the search party.
“I have been telling everyone that this is just a grassroots effort to search,” said Rick. “Alvis is my grandmother’s nephew. That’s why I want to do this kind of work.”
People wanting to help the family bring Alvis home can join the "Searching for Alvis Ned” Facebook group.
