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By Victor Kaisar

Missing Man

Search underway for man presumed downed on Clearwater Lake

Jun 28, 2025 | 2:00 PM

CLEARWATER, B.C. — The search is underway for a missing man who is presumed to have drowned in Clearwater Lake after his kayak capsized early Thursday (June 26) morning.

In a statement to CFJC Today, a BC RCMP spokesperson confirmed that police are investigating reports of a missing person, and that they were alerted shortly after 3:00 a.m. Thursday.

Wells Gray Search and Rescue also said Thursday morning that while it was operational in Wells Gray Park, the search was stood down later that afternoon.

According to a Facebook post by the Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team (HEART), which specializes in underwater search and recovery, it identified the man as Peter Gerbrandt, a father of three.

“Please join us in prayer for Peter, a beloved husband and father who has been missing since early yesterday,” the Friday (June 27) morning post said. “We are praying for a miracle that he be found safe and returned to his grieving family.”

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In a subsequent post Saturday, HEART said Peter ventured out on the water in a kayak to light and place candles for his late daughter Alita, who recently passed away.

“In the process he must have tipped over and fallen out of his kayak,” HEART said. “His wife and brother heard splashing from shore but Peter didn’t respond to their calls. They found his overturned kayak in the dark and candles floating nearby but he was missing.”

“This happened only a few 100 feet from shore but the water is 300 feet deep there.”

Peter’s sister in law, Naomi Ludwig, took to Facebook to say that while Peter has been missing since 1:15 a.m. Thursday, the family is “holding on to the hope of a miracle.”

“We are praying for a miracle that Peter be returned to his already grieving family,” Naomi said. “There are so many people volunteering to help with the search and we are so grateful to you all.”

“Please pray that his family have the strength to face this time whatever the outcome.”

This is a developing story, and more information will be provided once it’s available.