Whistler DJ disappears off the grid

Michael Grefner, 34, did not show up for work at Maxx Fish Nightclub on Tuesday night and friends are calling his disappearance highly unusual. Jan. 20, 2012. (CTV)

Mounties are searching for a popular Whistler DJ who has been missing for four days after he failed to show for a gig for the first time in his life.

Police received missing reports Tuesday evening when 34-year-old Michael Grefner did not show up for work at Maxx Fish Nightclub, which friends are calling highly unusual.

"He's never missed a gig in his life. He lives for it and enjoys it very much," said sister Katherine Grefner, who drove from Calgary to help the search.

Long-time friend Phil Vienneau also said missing a shift was very out of character.

"He definitely would have mentioned to me if he needed help or money or anything like that," Vienneau said.

Grefner was last seen partying at Garfinkels Nightclub in Whistler Village when he left after midnight Tuesday.

According to a 'help find Mike' Facebook page, he arrived at a friend's house but left after he mentioned losing a wallet.

A taxi company confirmed to police that they dropped Grefner home at around 2 a.m. and the driver watched him walk into his residence.

His phone records show that he made several calls until about 5:15 a.m. but friends reported he was in good spirits.

"From what I have been told he was hammered and ran the full spectrum of emotions but never overtly sad, and mostly upbeat and happy," Robbie Fullhouse commented on Facebook about the calls.

Police have said foul play is unlikely but are concerned that he may have wandered out from his home still intoxicated.

"That is one possibility we are investigating. It would be very concerning given the extremely cold temperatures we've had here," said RCMP Staff Sgt. Steve LeClair.

Police have used the Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association to aid the search around Grefner's residence. Officers are also investigating a Pemberton tip from a waitress who said she saw someone matching Grefner's description at Mile One Eating House.

"There's been no activity on his cell phone or Facebook account that he is normally very active on and so it's concerning when somebody seemingly disappears like this," said LeClair.

A voluntary disappearance has not been ruled out as some Whistler community members think the DJ may have needed to escape the party lifestyle.

A friend Sha Kti wrote on his Facebook wall, "You had mentioned that your 2012 Story was going to embrace some BIG changes and I know that you are following your heart and inner voice".

However, others are skeptical and Jeff Campbell replied, "As spiritual as mike is....we don't just NOT look for him because he mentioned once about going on a walkabout".

Police are asking for anyone with information of Grefner's whereabouts to call Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044.

Grefner is white, 6-2 tall with a slim build. He has curly short brown hair, green eyes and was clean shaven when last seen. He has no tattoos or piercings.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Jina You.