Family and friends are hopeful the decomposing human remains found near Whistler are not the missing former Red Deer man who vanished nearly two months ago.
Whistler RCMP say two hikers came across the human remains in the Alpine Meadows subdivision, about five km north of the Village of Whistler, around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Staff Sgt. Steve LeClair said there is some level of decomposition and the body was not easily recognizable. Forensic teams are still recovering the remains. LeClair said the teams could finish Monday or today and send the remains for autopsy on Wednesday.
Mike Grefner, 34, was reported missing on Jan. 17 after he failed to show up for a shift at a nightclub where he was a DJ.
Grefner grew up in Red Deer and moved to British Columbia about seven years ago to pursue his music career. He lived in the Rainbow subdivision, seven km north of the village.
Red Deer’s Quan Diep, 34, said friends and family search crews have searched the Alpine Meadows area a few times since Grefner went missing.
“We’re pretty torn,” said Diep, who grew up with Grefner in Red Deer. “I guess we will just have to wait and see just because of the state of the remains it will take a little time for the RCMP to figure out.”
Diep said Grefner’s parents, who live in Red Deer, are optimistic and doing as best as they can despite the circumstances.
Meanwhile, Whistler RCMP continue to plug away in the Grefner investigation. LeClair said police continue to conduct interviews and comb phone records. He said there have not been any startling new leads.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com