Crews call off search for missing man
Rescue crews gather for a morning briefing in their search for Mark Brackebusch, 73, who was reported missing on Aug. 31. Brackebusch is believed to have been in the forest since around Aug. 25. Friday night, Boundary County Sheriff's Office and the Boundary Search & Dive Rescue Team officials said they have made the tough decision to suspend the search.
(Photo courtesy BOUNDDARY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE)
The Boundary County Sheriff's Office and the Boundary Search & Dive Rescue Team said they have made the tough decision to suspend their search for Mark Brackebusch, 73, who was reported missing on Aug. 31. Brackebusch is believed to have been in the forest since around Aug. 25.
On the final day of the search over 60 rescue personnel representing 20 organizations across five counties in three states were organized into 10 teams to search for Brackebusch, Andrew O'Neel, Boundary County public information officer, said. Among the many searchers on Friday were several dog teams, a specialized man-tracking team, and helicopters from Spokane Valley Search and Rescue and Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
Crews began the search for Brackebusch Friday, Sept. 1, and kept up the search until Friday, Sept. 8. O'Neel said an average of 15 a day volunteers put in roughly 2,400 personnel hours over an eight-day period searching the wilderness near the Shorty Peak trailhead, near where Brackebusch’s vehicle was found.
"Search patterns covered approximately 6,000 acres, but searchers were unable to locate any further signs or evidence," O'Neel said in a press release.
In such searchers, O'Neel said managers consult statistics based on lost-person behavior, which were then used to develop strategies and tactics for searching a prioritized list of areas with highest probability of success.
Also factored into the search are location, terrain, weather, available resources, and the subject’s relevant characteristics, such as age, and physical condition. Also considered are state of mind, clothing, outdoor experience, familiarity with the area, etc.
"Searchers are then deployed in a deliberate, methodical manner to ensure coverage of areas with the highest probability of success first, then work down the priority list. Areas are searched multiple times," O'Neel said.
The sheriff's office continues to seek tips in Brackebusch’s disappearance. Anyone who may have heard from or seen Brackebusch since Aug. 25 is asked to contact Boundary County Dispatch at 208-267-3151, extension 0.
If you are interested in helping find and rescue lost people, contact the Boundary Search and Dive Rescue Team online at bsdrt.org.