‘We won’t stop until we find Frank,’ says Red Earth Cree Nation chief

It has been eight days since five-year-old Frank Young was last seen by relatives on the Red Earth Cree Nation, west of Nipawin. Since then, there has been no trace of the child.

During an update Tuesday, RCMP Sgt. Richard Tonge talked about the search efforts.

“I don’t know if Frank Young is alive. We haven’t given up hope,” Tonge said. “History (and) previous searches have shown us that humans can be incredibly resilient and we’re doing everything we possibly can to find Frank.

“Our hope is we will find him alive.”

So far, Tonge said there hasn’t been anything to “solidify this as an abduction.”

“There’s no evidence to support that Frank was abducted,” he said. “We’ve had numerous tips, some from as far away as Edmonton, Red Deer, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. We’ve been following up on those tips.

“We’ve been very fortunate our partner policing agencies have taken this seriously and they’ve conducted very quick and thorough investigations to show that sightings in these areas were not Frank,” Tonge continued.

Around 92 square kilometres of land have so far been covered by volunteer search groups since April 19, including the Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers (SARSAV).

Aerial searches will continue, but local river and lake conditions have become challenging over the last week with runoff and ice jams, according to Red Earth Cree Nation Chief Fabian Head.

“On Saturday the 24th, we received reports (from) the searchers on the (Carrot) River that it’s approximately six or seven feet at the time. As of (Monday), we have water that rose significantly. I’m guessing it’s anywhere from 15 to 20 feet (deep) … right now.”

As for whether a five-year-old child could survive eight days outside in the elements, SARSAV spokesperson Dustin Brears wouldn’t say.

“We’re certainly hoping we can find Frank alive and in good health. As of right now that’s the efforts of the search, and that’s what we’re focusing on,” he said.

“It’s still a rescue mission and we won’t stop until we find Frank,” added Head.

Anyone who saw the boy or has any information about his whereabouts is asked to call the Carrot River RCMP at 306-768-1200.