By James Peters

UPDATE: Woman missing after Cache Creek-area mudslide had been en route to Kamloops

Aug 13, 2018 | 3:17 PM

CACHE CREEK, B.C. — The couple whose car was swept up in a Cache Creek-area mudslide Saturday was part of a group of classic car enthusiasts heading to Kamloops.

67 year old Valerie Morris is missing after she and her husband were caught up in the slide on Highway 99 near Hat Creek.

Morris and her husband Tom, residents of Sechelt, were in their 1968 Morgan convertible when the slide hit.

Bob Wadden says the Morris’ were part of a group of six classic Morgans and their owners who had planned a ride from West Vancouver to Kamloops.

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Wadden was also part of that group, and says the convoy had to turn back because of the mudslides.

Police were called to the scene at about 5:00 p.m. Saturday, finding Tom Morris with minor injuries, but Valerie Morris missing.

Initial search efforts have been fruitless, but RCMP say they are being hampered because the area is still quite wet and unstable.

“In having spoken to the detachment commander in Ashcroft, she says she’s been out to the site and there is still quite a lot of water that is running through that area,” said Sgt. Janelle Shoihet. “The roadway is not passable at this point. We’re encouraging anybody who is looking to get into that area to monitor the Drive BC website so they can see any rerouting that’s in place there.”

“At this point, we’re asking for the public’s assistance in locating her, recognizing that our search efforts are being hampered quite a bit by the amount of water and safety concerns that are in and around the area of Highway 99,” said Shoihet.

“We’re looking for anybody who may have been a witness to the mudslide or have seen that 1968 yellow-in-colour Morgan convertible prior to the mudslide and may have some dashcam video of that, if they could get in contact with Ashcroft RCMP.”

Mrs. Morris is described as:

• Caucasian
• 5 foot 2 inches
• 113 lbs
• Auburn Hair
• Hazel eyes

Last seen wearing:

• White/Cream Capri pants
• Black Sun Visor hat
• Bright red jacket
• Bright pink shirt

Police are also looking to speak with anyone who may have dashcam video of the Morris’ and their distinctive classic car prior to the slide.

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Ashcroft RCMP at (250) 453-2216.

Highway 99 is still closed in the area.

NOTE: An earlier version of this story stated that the Morris’ had attended Hot Nite in the City in Kamloops Saturday. This information was provided by BC RCMP. Bob Wadden contacted CFJC to offer a correction.