Image Credit: Facebook / Ben Tyner

By Dylana Kneeshaw

BEN TYNER DISAPPEARANCE

Nicola Ranch doubles reward for information on Ben Tyner’s disappearance

Mar 16, 2021 | 11:17 AM

MERRITT — The reward for information around the disappearance of Merritt rancher Ben Tyner has doubled to $30,000 – with his former employer matching his family’s reward amount.

John Liu, owner of Nicola Ranch in Merritt, has added $15,000 to the reward money. It will be given to anyone who provides information that leads to finding Tyner, and to the arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for harming him.

Jen Tyner, Ben’s mother, posted on Facebook today (March 16) announcing the monetary pledge from the ranch her son was employed at before he disappeared.

“We are extremely grateful to John for matching our funds,” she wrote. “We are still in weekly contact with RCMP and feel that real progress is being made. Your continued prayers and support are as always greatly appreciated! Stay safe!”

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Originally from Wyoming, Tyner came to work at Nicola Ranch in the Merritt area. His family came up to Merritt for the searches and has since returned to Wyoming.

In January 2019, Tyner’s rider-less horse was found on a logging road off Highway 97 near Winnie Flats. A large-scale search effort was undertaken by police, and search and rescue teams but was eventually called off in February 2019.

Merritt RCMP and the Southeast District Major Crime Unit continue to investigate and communicate weekly with Tyner’s family. RCMP Spokesman Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey previously stated investigators believe his disappearance was criminal.

“To date, numerous investigational avenues have been explored, and in order to protect the ongoing investigation police are unable to share those findings publicly at this time,” O’Donaghey said in a statement. “However, based on those findings, major crime investigators have reason to believe that criminality was involved in Ben Tyner’s disappearance, and is the victim of a homicide.”

Anyone with information about Tyner’s disappearance is urged to contact Merritt RCMP.