The RCMP have called off the search for a missing mountain biker in the Halifax area.
Police say Marty Leger has not been found, despite an exhaustive five-day search in Waverley, N.S.
Leger, 30, went biking alone around noon on Thursday. He was expected to return home around 4 p.m. but failed to show up.
When he failed to return home, Leger’s family went looking for him. They found his vehicle at the end of Spider Lake Road in Waverley and reported him missing shortly after 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
Police, search crews and helicopters have been combing the Spider Lake area of Waverley since Friday, but they have found no signs of the missing man.
About 250 soldiers, mostly from 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in New Brunswick, also joined in the search Monday morning.
Police say approximately 450 ground search and rescue volunteers from across the Maritimes, as well as Joint Task Force Atlantic personnel, have participated in the search since Friday.
Volunteers and three helicopters scoured about 65 square kilometres of dense woods and rough terrain. Police say searchers were dealing with high temperatures and areas considered treacherous for even the most experienced searchers.
Searchers started to pack up their gear and tents around 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Police confirmed around 6:30 p.m. that Leger had not been found and the search would officially conclude at 9 p.m.
“The decision to end any search is extremely difficult,” said Halifax RCMP Supt. Roland Wells in a statement Tuesday evening.
“I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy towards the Leger family in their time of grieving. I also want to extend sincere thanks to all of the volunteers who came out to assist us in this search. Your dedication, support and determination are an inspiration.”
The RCMP are asking anyone travelling the Spider Lake trails to contact police if they spot anything unusual.
The matter will now become a missing persons case.
