RCMP resumes search for missing cowboy months after he disappeared

The RCMP has resumed its search for a missing rancherwho vanished in the B.C. Interiornearly four months ago.

Ben Tyner, 32, was last seenon Jan. 26 as he rode out on horseback near Merritt, possibly to search for cattle insurrounding hills. He was reported missing after someone found his horse, riderless but still wearing its saddle, two days lateron a logging road off Highway 97 northwest of the city.

An extensive search that included RCMP and volunteers on foot and horseback, andin helicopters, vehicles and snowmobiles, found no trace of Tyner. Efforts weresuspended in early February due to poor weather.

RCMP said they are back searching an area near Merrittthis week with police dogs as well as air support.

Tyner is originally from Wyoming and worked at a cattle ranch in nearby Nicola. His father, mother and brother have made public pleas asking anyone with information about his disappearance to come forward.

"He was just big and strong and honest as they come, just a pure soul," said brother Jack Tyner, standing alongside his parents at a press conference in Merritt on Feb. 13.

"He wasn't the kind of guy that would get into trouble or cause any trouble. He would help anybody for whatever they needed. That was the kind of guy my brother was."

Last month, Sgt. Janelle Shoihet saidmembers of the Southeast District Major Crime Unit had reviewedevidencecollected since Tyner went missing and determined the case may involve criminal activity.