01/01/08: Derek Kelly, 31, Bridge Lake, BC, Canada

Derek Kelly

Bring Derek Kelly home.

Derek Kelly, 31, of Langley, British Columbia, was last seen at a New Year's Eve party in the area of Bridge Lake and Highway 24, near the city of 100 Mile House, British Columbia on Jan. 1, 2008.

Derek had made the trip to Bridge Lake, in the Cariboo region of British Columbia, on Dec. 30 with a new girlfriend and some friends and acquaintances. There were at least four and perhaps as many as eight in the party. Those friends returned to the Lower Mainland without Derek and didn’t notify the authorities or his family that he was missing. He was reported missing to the Langley RCMP by his family on January 16, 2008.

An extensive investigation by the Langley RCMP Serious Crime Unit has not located him. Although classified as a missing persons file, the matter is being treated as a homicide, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has said.

The investigation has since been turned over to the North District Major Crimes Unit. Langley RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Peter Thiessen told the Langley Times, “It’s difficult to conduct an investigation from that distance. Combine that with the complexity of the investigation and the different directions it may be going, it requires the North District Major Crimes to take over the file.”


On May 16, 2008, The Langley Times reported, "a memorial cross has been demolished and missing person posters have been ripped down at Bridge Lake, near 100 Mile House, where Derek was last seen. The memorial was erected by Leanne [Leanne Kelly, Derek's sister], who said she put up the cross March 29 on Highway 24 with a rosary and a guiding light stone, to help her family find some peace. Sometime between April 24 and 26 that cross was demolished and spread over the ditch. Leanne said she wonders if this was random violence or if the cross and posters are reminding someone in the Bridge Lake area that Derek is missing. 'For me personally, it’s a little suspect,' said Leanne."

On January 1, 2010, RCMP spokesman Cpl. Dan Moskaluk told the Vancouver Sun that no charges had yet been filed. According to the article, "He said in the spring of 2008, investigators searched a property in the area and found "valuable evidence" that has advanced the case. 'We have also identified several potential witnesses who have been approached by investigators, but for unknown reasons, have to date been reluctant to cooperate with police,' he said.'The investigators are confident in saying that the outstanding witness evidence could very well unlock the puzzle."


About Derek Kelly

Derek Kelly, who goes by the name "D, grew up in Langley, BC. According to his family, "Derek was a very active and athletic youth, he played ice hockey and lacrosse. Lacrosse being Canada's national sport, proved a great game for Derek's physical strength. He had played in many tourie's through-out Canada with both hockey and lacrosse. He made many, many friends playing these sports and I'm thankful that they continue to provide support for D!" (Source.)

At the time he disappeared, he was working construction in Port Hardy.

Derek's sister, Leanne Kelly, said her family members are all anxious to know what has happened to Derek. “He is loved and missed by all our family and friends,” she told the Vancouver Sun.

Derek Kelly is described as 5'11", 170lbs with an athletic build. He has short dark brown hair and blue eyes. He has several Celtic tribal tattoos on his upper shoulders/back: a Libra Lion on the center of his chest, an "Irish Pride" script tattoo on his inner right forearm, and a band with a cross on his left bicep. He was wearing a black hoodie with silver/grey markings, jeans and black adidas runners. He was carrying a small red and black Sherwood hockey bag. He also was wearing his gold chain with his large gold cross.

If anyone saw something that looked out of place on New Years Eve/Day in the Bridge Lake area or if you have any information about Derek Kelly, call Constable Andrew Roy of Langley Serious Crime Unit at 604-532-3376 or leave an anonymous tip at Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).


Quick Facts:
Name/age: Derek Kelly, 31
Last seen: 1/1/08
Physical Description: 5'11, 170 pounds, short dark brown hair, blue eyes, with Celtic tattoos on his upper shoulders/back, a Libra Lion on the center of his chest, and an "Irish Pride" script tattoo on his inner right forearm.
Last seen wearing: Black hoodie with silver/grey markings, jeans and black adidas runners. Necklace with gold chain and large gold cross. He was carrying a small red and black Sherwood hockey bag.