Nova Scotia RCMP officials have identified the Australian woman reported missing during her visit to Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Denise Ann Williams, 62, went hiking in the park and has not been in contact with her family since April 15. Williams, a resident of Victoria in southeastern Australia, had mentioned traveling to Chéticamp, N.S., according to police, who were informed of her disappearance on April 28.
Her rental car, a Nissan Sentra, was discovered at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre parking lot in Chéticamp near the Acadian trailhead. Described as five feet four inches tall with shoulder-length greyish blonde hair, Williams was believed to be wearing a dark winter jacket, a powder blue tuque labeled “Antarctica,” an orange and blue scarf, and glasses.
The Acadian trail, rated “moderate” in difficulty on the Parks Canada website, spans 8.4 kilometers. Chris Bellmore, president of Chéticamp Search and Rescue, highlighted the challenging terrain in Nova Scotia, emphasizing the presence of mountainous regions, water bodies, and lingering snow, complicating the search efforts.
Various agencies, including Department of Natural Resources helicopters, RCMP police dog service, ground search and rescue teams, and Parks Canada, are collaborating in the search operation. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia is extending consular support to Williams’s family, as reported by The Guardian newspaper.
Individuals who may have encountered Williams in or around Cape Breton Highlands National Park are urged to contact the Inverness County District RCMP at 902-258-2213. Anonymous tips can be shared with Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
