Search for missing teen takes toll on family

The search continues for a Muskowekwan teen who has been missing for more than six months.

Seventeen-year-old Cody Wolfe was last seen April 29. Text messages seem to place him on a road north of Lestock that has since washed out. It appears he made it around and was headed to a rural home on the Muskowekwan First Nation, said his aunt, Myrna LaPlante.

However, “there still has been no solid evidence as to where he is,” she said.

Reported sightings of Wolfe have turned out to be mistaken identity. Such tips led LaPlante along with Wolfe’s parents, Reg LaPlante and Annette Wolfe, to Edmonton this past summer.

LaPlante said such searches and potential sightings were exciting, particularly one time where staff at a shelter invited Wolfe’s parents inside because there was a young man they thought might be their son who wouldn’t tell them his name.

“It was excruciating, waiting outside,” recalled LaPlante, who remained outside with her niece, wondering ‘Is it him? Is it him?’

She said every time there is a possible sighting, and it isn’t him, or another weekend passes, and he still hasn’t been found, it’s very hard.

“We always believe we’re going to find him, and when we don’t, it’s disappointing and depressing.”

LaPlante said her brother and sister-in-law, along with Wolfe’s five brothers and sisters, don’t really say how they are doing, just what they are doing. However, she sees a sense of sadness among them as they make comments about missing Wolfe and wishing he was home.

LaPlante said she spoke to one of Wolfe’s cousins who went to school with him in Wynyard. They are supposed to be in grade 12 together right now and the cousin told her how sad he was to return to school without him because Wolfe always encouraged him to do his best.

“He keeps expecting to see him in the hallway,” she said.
LaPlante said there is also a sense of urgency now that it could snow at any time.

She said Thanksgiving passed as just another time to be looking for Wolfe.

“Holidays are just another day to search,” she said. “My brother is out every day he has off.”

Recent fundraisers like a steak night and cabaret have helped ease the financial burden, and LaPlante said they are grateful for people who not only attended those events but also donated food and silent auction items.
She knows her family is getting frustrated with the RCMP, but LaPlante really believes they are doing everything they can.

“They just get impatient because they want it solved, and want it solved six months ago,” she said.