A vigil will be held for Shelly Jean Hofmann this Friday (June 23) at 7 p.m. at the Harbour Quay to remember the Port Alberni resident who has been missing for one year.
The vigil was organized by Cheryl Mangelsen, to bring Hofmann back to the minds of people in the community.
“I’m feeling about as [bad] as I did a year ago because nothing has changed,” Mangelsen said. “Chances are she may never be found but we can’t forget.”
Mangelsen said she’s heard a lot of rumours about her old friend’s whereabouts but nothing that has lead to anything concrete.
“Somebody knows something, she didn’t just disappear on her own,” she said. “I know when the cops do hear a rumour they follow up on it.”
Hofmann was last seen on June 24, 2016 in front of Alberni Community & Women’s Services Society (ACAWS) on Third Avenue in Port Alberni. Hofmann is a Port Alberni resident with family ties in Vancouver and Nanaimo. She is described as a 49 year old Caucasian woman, five feet tall, 150 lbs, with blue eyes and short grey hair. Hofmann was often seen walking around downtown Port Alberni with a distinctive walk. She has a pronounced limp almost rocking from side to side and is hunched forward.
“Shelly’s disappearance remains an active and ongoing missing person’s investigation,” said Cpl. Amelia Hayden of the Port Alberni RCMP. “Members of the General Investigation Section continue to be busy in their search for answers into Shelly’s whereabouts. We are urging the public for their help. What may seem inconsequential to you, may be the missing link in this investigative puzzle. Everything is important.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250-723-2424 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: by phone: 1-800-222-8477(TIPS), online: www.solvecrime.ca or by SMS: Text: BCTIP and your message to CRIMES (274637).