Missing N.W.T. woman's family launches new search

Family members of Angela Meyer, a mentally ill Yellowknife woman who has been missing for over a month, are launching their own search for her this weekend.

Meyer, 22, disappeared from her family's downtown Yellowknife home on Nov. 27. At the time, she was home on a weekend pass from Stanton Territorial Hospital's psychiatric ward.

RCMP called off the official search for Meyer on Dec. 21, saying they had searched all places of interest and exhausted the tips they received.

Meyer's family is now looking for volunteers to help with their own detailed search on Saturday and Sunday.

Candace Meyer, Angela's sister, said the family has received overwhelming public support to start an unofficial search.

"The phone has been going off the hook, and there's been people coming by, and offers with donations from local businesses," Candace Meyer told CBC News on Wednesday.

"I'm excited to see everyone out there and to see everyone, you know, putting their heart into it and really trying."

At the time of her disappearance, Angela Meyer whowas diagnosedwith Type 2 diabetes and schizophrenia had only enough insulin, anti-depressant and anti-psychotic medication to last the weekend, her family said.

The family search will focus on the Con Mine and Ptarmigan Road areas, where police say Angela was lastseen.

'Hope for the best'

Candace Meyer said the RCMP have beengiving the family helpful pointers on searching. She warned the search terrain will be rough, so children should not get involved for safety reasons.

The Yellowknife Search and Rescue Association will not be officially taking part in this weekend's search, but an official said some members are planning to help out.

Overall, Candace Meyer said she expects a total of around 100 volunteers over the weekend.

"We have to stay positive and optimistic and just really hope for the best," she said.

"I'm really pumped; I'm really excited to see what the outcome will be. Pulling together as a team and as a community, it's really great. It's a really nice feeling."