"As of May 3, no further search activity is planned."
Search for Missing Australian Hiker Suspended After Six Days
The search for Denise Ann Williams, a 62-year-old Australian hiker, was suspended on May 3 following six days of intensive operations. Williams was last heard from on April 15.
Timeline of Events
April 15 – Williams last contacted her family, informing them she was traveling to Chéticamp on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
April 28 – At approximately 9:30 AM, local police received a report that Williams had not been seen. Her rental car, a Nissan Sentra, was found parked at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre near the Acadian Trail head in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Description of Williams
- Height: 5'4" (approximately 163 cm)
- Hair: Greyish-blonde, shoulder-length
- Last seen wearing: A dark winter jacket, a powder blue beanie with "Antarctica" written on it, an orange and blue scarf, and glasses
Search Efforts
Multiple agencies were involved in the search, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), air services, police dogs, search and rescue teams, Parks Canada staff, and emergency responders.
The search focused on the Acadian Trail, an 8.4-kilometer loop with moderate-to-difficult terrain. Authorities noted that wildlife such as moose, coyotes, and black bears are active in the area at this time of year.
As of May 3, the RCMP confirmed that no further search activity is planned.
Police Appeal
The RCMP in Nova Scotia have requested that anyone who may have seen Williams, or traveled through Cape Breton Highlands National Park in recent weeks, contact local authorities.