Rita Chretien found, her husband still missing in the States
Posted May 7, 2011 12:15:06 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Rita Chretien, the Penticton woman found in a remote wooded area in Nevada Friday afternoon, is in fair condition, according St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho.
However, the search is on for her husband, who left their van three days after it got stuck in mud back in March.
The couple left their Penticton home March 19 on their way to Las Vegas, but they didn’t return home when they were due.
Raymond Chretien, Rita’s son, is telling The Oregonian newspaper it’s a miracle his mother is still alive after seven weeks stranded in the woods. He has told the newspaper she has lost 30 pounds, and apologized over the phone for putting the family through the ordeal. Rita explained to the family that the two simply took a logging road to take in the scenery.
In a media briefing today, the RCMP say it appears Rita survived on water and trail mix, and that she kept a journal, in the event she wouldn’t be found alive.
“It’s quite an astounding tale,” says Moskaluk, calling it an unprecedented story of survival.
A group of hunters found Rita yesterday. Her family is heading down to Idaho to be by her side. As for Al, he left their van back on March 21st to get help, and hasn’t been seen since.
But Corporal Dan Moskaluk says the search isn’t over. “The group of 20 searchers, [includes] personnel on all-terrain vehicles and on foot and a team of search dogs.”
He says they’re also prepared to do an air search when the rain clears out.
The Penticton community
Penticton’s mayor Dan Ashton says the news has spread fast in his city. “Penticton is a very small community. There’s been lots of discussion. Everybody has been wondering. Everyone has been very worried. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family that Mr. Chretien will be located ASAP,” expresses Ashton.
“I wonder what’s happened to Al, and that’s hard,” says Dave Gertson, a family friend. He says they’ll stick together no matter what. “Because of our faith. We know no matter what happens, Al is in God’s hands. That’s probably what’s most comforting in this whole situation.”
“I think they were a very strong couple together,” he tells us. “Al would have done anything for Rita, and I’m sure that’s why he went to go get help — he loved her, and he wanted to make sure she got out of there.”
