SEARCH FOR MISSING BOY
Family won’t give up hope
FORT QU’APPELLE The last time family members heard from Tamaine Geldenhuys, she and her son, Greagan, were heading out to look for pelicans on Echo Lake.
Now, nearly 50 family members have come together in this community to provide support in the wake of Tamaine’s death and to join in the search for her missing seven-year-old boy.
As they stood Tuesday on the same beach near where their mother’s body was found on the weekend, Corrinna Howard and Ryan Geldenhuys expressed gratitude for the outpouring of community support.
The family also praised the local RCMP detachment, which has kept in steady contact.
“I guess it just removes the feeling of hopelessness. It helps us just take our time and stay with family rather than being out searching ourselves,” Ryan said.
Greagan and Tamaine were last seen at B-say-tah beach Friday afternoon.
The next day, Tamaine’s body was found several kilometres away, on a beach near the Fort Qu’appelle campground — but there was no sign of her young son.
The RCMP issued a statement on Monday indicating the search for Greagan has turned to a “recovery mission.”
When Ryan, who lives in Calgary, and Corrinna, from Rimby, Alta., heard Saturday evening what had happened, they immediately made plans to drive overnight to Fort Qu’appelle. Since then, Corrinna and other family members have been out searching by boat, as well as walking the shores of Echo and Mission lakes.
More family members are still arriving, with some flying in from Ontario.
“We have so much support,” said Corrinna.
Corrinna’s sister, Cassandra, was the last person to correspond with Tamaine.
In a text message at 3:59 p.m. on Friday, Tamaine said she and Greagan were headed to the beach to try to spot some pelicans.
Family members say police have told them evidence points to a possible swimming accident.
Tamaine and Greagan resided in nearby Lebret and often went down to the lake. Their towels, clothing and a camera were discovered on the beach.
Corrinna said her mother had been struggling with health issues more recently that may have affected her swimming abilities, but Greagan was known to be good swimmer.
Ryan described Tamaine as a dedicated and loving single mother. Corrinna said she and Greagan shared a close bond, and did everything together.
If it were a swimming accident, Corrinna believes the two would have done everything they could to save each other.
Family described Greagan as a creative and smart boy who enjoys playing with Lego and building things. Corrinna affectionately refers to him by the nickname Jack-jack, after a character in The Incredibles movies.
“Bravest boy in the whole entire world, that’s for sure,” she added.
In addition to RCMP boat and dive teams searching the lake, the family has led a community-driven search, which has drawn more than 100 volunteers.
They included those from nearby Standing Buffalo First Nation who combed the lake by boat late into Monday night.
“We’re not giving up hope. I won’t give up hope, obviously. Who would?” said Corrinna.
On Tuesday, RCMP members were still searching the east shoreline of Echo Lake for any sign of Greagan.
An RCMP boat entered the lake, and members of a dive team walked in the shallows.
A search plane was also scheduled to fly over the area.
Residents can still volunteer to help with the search by visiting the family’s command centre at 234 Boundary Ave. in Fort Qu’appelle. The family is also asking local residents to check under their docks.
Any property owners in the Bsay-tah area with surveillance cameras that may have captured something are asked to contact Fort Qu’appelle RCMP.
A Gofundme has also been set up to provide assistance to the family.