Missing Edmonton family found dead: RCMP
Posted Dec 26, 2023 9:47 am.
Last Updated Dec 26, 2023 4:27 pm.
Three members of an Edmonton family that went missing this weekend in Lac Ste. Anne County were found dead, police say.
Officials say they recovered the bodies of Kelly and Laura Pelsma and their eight-year-old son Dylan. An autopsy will be conducted this week in Edmonton.
“This is a sad outcome, the loss of any life is tragic” RCMP Cpl. Patrick Lambert said in a news release. “The loss of this entire family is truly devastating over the holidays. Our thoughts are with the community and their extended family.”
The Pelsmas were last seen Saturday in Alberta Beach — about 45 minutes northwest of Edmonton. They were believed to be using a side-by-side utility terrain vehicle.
The search and rescue efforts were conducted near the Alexis Bridge, off Range Road 40A, by Parkland RCMP, Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Service and an underwater recovery team.
Police were notified Monday afternoon — Christmas Day — after the family failed to show up at an event. Emergency service personnel, a police helicopter and ground search and rescue volunteers were called to assist.
In a news release Tuesday afternoon announcing the family’s death, Alberta RCMP said Albertans should be aware of the “dangers of unpredictable thin ice and open water.”
