Vigil marks second anniversary of Shtuka disappearance from Sun Peaks

Ryan Shtuka. (via Facebook)

Almost two years after Ryan Shtuka disappeared without a trace from Sun Peaks, efforts to both locate him and keep his memory alive are still going strong.

The official two-year anniversary of the day Shtuka went missing is this Monday (Feb. 17) and there will be a candlelight vigil and walk held in the village for the vanished Alberta boy. 

Shtuka never returned home after a house party on Burfield Drive in the early morning of Feb. 17, 2018. Extensive searches of the area haven't turned up anything and though the police are still investigating, they're in need of tips.

The case was even the subject of a documentary that premiered over the summer. 

Throughout it all, the Shtuka family continues to search for their son while honouring his life and memory.

Last Saturday (Feb. 8), Sun Peaks Resort hosted a 'Run for Ryan,' where anyone wanting to show support met at the top of Sunburst Express chairlift and did a group ski run down 5 Mile run. 

There was also a fundraiser hockey tournament that weekend back in the Shtuka's hometown of Beaumont, Alta. that raised over $2,700 in support of his family and their search.

For this Monday's vigil, participants will meet in parking lot 2 at 5:30 p.m. and do a walk from there. At 7 p.m., people everywhere are invited to light candles for those who have gone missing. 

"Wherever you find yourselves, take a moment to light a candle in remembrance of those who have not found their way home," reads the event page hosted by Heather Shtuka. "Through our love, in our communities, we can set the world ablaze in a belief that what is lost can one day be found."

For more information on Monday's vigil, visit HERE.

If you have any information related to Shtuka’s disappearance, please contact Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000.