Family and friends have not lost faith that the École Camille J. Lerouge graduate and popular DJ who went missing in Whistler almost a week ago will be found safe.
Michael Grefner, 34, was last seen around midnight on Jan. 16 at a night club in the popular ski resort town.
Police began looking for him when he did not show up for a shift the following night at another night club where he was a resident DJ. Grefner’s parents and an older sister live in Red Deer and flew to Whistler late last week to help with the search.
“It’s just an emotional roller coaster,” said Katherine Grefner, his eldest sister who lives in Vancouver.
“We have moments that we cry and moments where were are strong and we can get through out. It’s just that unknown feeling where you are craving any kind of closure.”
Michael Grefner grew up in Red Deer and moved to Vancouver about six years ago before moving to Whistler about four years ago to work on his DJ career. Grefner is a popular DJ that goes by the name of “Vs Zero.”
Several of his friends from Red Deer went to Whistler to offer support including Frankie Genereaux, 30, who was Grefner’s roommate for several years in Red Deer.
Like most of his friends, Genereaux is completely baffled about Grefner’s disappearance.
“DJ-ing his a huge passion for him,” she said.
“It’s his life.
“For him not to show up for work is unusual for him. He’s a very social person. For him not to contact anyone for this period of time is not Mike.”
Friends have set up a Facebook page in order to offer tips to find the 34-year-old. As of Sunday afternoon, there were 1,450 members of the group. Friends have posted a time line that tracks Grefner’s last known contact. Friends believe his last contact was when he phoned a friend at 5:15 a.m. on Jan. 17.
“It’s honestly amazing to see all of his friends in Whistler and everybody coming together,” said Genereaux. “He’s a great guy and we’re just hoping he comes back safe.”
Grefner was last seen wearing faded jeans with white crosses stitched on the back pockets. He had on a navy blue T-shirt and a black military-style hat. He is described as clean shaven with a slim built. He is 6-foot-2 with curly brown hair.
For anyone with information call Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com