B.C. police chasing ‘every single tip’ in missing woman case

Ashley Bosma is described as a white woman, standing approximately 5’ 4” tall and weighing 115 pounds. She has blue eyes, and her hair is dyed brownish purple and blonde. (Handout)

Police on Vancouver Island have released new images of a 40-year-old woman who was reported missing last week.

Ashley Bosma was last seen camping near Comox Lake in the Cumberland area on Oct. 14, and has not been heard from since.

Shortly after her disappearance, the local RCMP said it was possible that Bosma had been picked up in a vehicle or had entered the hiking trails in the area.

Investigators released new images of the missing woman on Wednesday, showing her hair colour as it was at the time she vanished.

“These photos were only recently provided to investigators and are being shared now to assist the public in recognizing Ashley as search efforts continue,” the Comox Valley RCMP said in a statement.

One of the images was obtained from a surveillance camera on Oct. 10, while the other was apparently taken near a river or stream.

Authorities are “following up on every single tip” in the missing person case since their initial request for public assistance was issued last week, police said. “There have been many tips, and each one is being carefully investigated.”

Investigators say it is unusual for Bosma to have no contact with her family, which is concerning.

Search and rescue volunteers, along with RCMP Air Services and police dogs have all joined the effort to find the missing woman in recent days.

“At this time, police do not know what happened to Ashley and are keeping all possibilities open,” Const. Monika Terragni said in the statement. “The investigation remains very active, and every effort continues to bring her home safely.”

Bosma is described as a white woman, standing approximately 5’ 4” tall and weighing 115 pounds. She has blue eyes, and her hair is dyed brownish purple and blonde, police said.

Anyone with information related to her whereabouts is asked to contact the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321.