Edmonton gay man found

UPDATE, OCT 28: The Edmonton gay man reported missing last week has been found today, according to friends and community members.

“Daltyn Evans has been safely found in Saskatchewan,” said Kris Wells of the Edmonton police queer liaison in a statement. “It was through a community tip that Daltyn was located in a hospital in Saskatchewan, where he is now in recovery from a medical incident.” No further details were provided.

Evans’ friends sent messages to a Facebook group created to help find the missing man. They thanked people for their concern and support over the past week.

STORY ORIGINALLY POSTED OCT 23:

People across Edmonton are concerned about the whereabouts of Daltyn Evans, a gay man who disappeared on his way or coming from picking up a copy of his Teaching Certificate in downtown Edmonton on Oct 20.

Hundreds of queer Edmontonians woke up this morning to find this message in their email inbox that was originally sent by concerned friend Lori Sitar: “Someone from our community needs our help!”

The rest of the email reads as follows:

***

“On Monday morning, Oct 20, at 8:02, my friend Daltyn called his office from home to say that he was heading downtown to pick up a copy of his Teaching Certificate from Alberta Education located at 10044 108th Street and that he would be right in to work afterwards. He never made it to Alberta Education and has not been seen since then.

Daltyns’ vehicle is also missing. It is a bright yellow Ford Escape SUV, Alberta license plate BAB 737. It has a rainbow cowboy on the back windshield and a little yellow happy ball cowboy ball on the antenna.

The police are investigating his disappearance and [have] stated that if they do not find Daltyn within the first 48 hours, any chances of finding him are slim. They do suspect foul play. The police have a Canada wide all points bulletin on his vehicle. [Editor’s note: police told Xtra.ca that they do not consider the case suspicious at this time.]

Our only chance of aiding this investigation is finding Daltyn’s vehicle. At least it would be a start in locating him or the animals who did something to him. Please ask people to keep an eye out for his vehicle. Should anyone locate the vehicle, do not approach, but dial 911. I would hate to have yet someone else put themselves in harms way.

Please, if you could check the streets, alleys, parking lots, parkades that you come across in your travels. Some people have even suggested that his vehicle could already be outside of Alberta.

Also, if you could please pass this email on to everyone you know. The more eyes looking for this vehicle, the better!

Thank you for any assistance you can provide for all of Daltyn’s friends who miss him and are hoping for his safe return to us.”

***

By noon, people had received the notice about Evan’s disappearance many times, as the message was passed on through email and Facebook groups.

At 2:50pm Edmonton Police Services spokesperson Dean Parthenis confirmed that police were investigating the case. “I’ve just received word back from our missing persons unit detectives who tell me that they are investigating Daltyn’s disappearance,” said Parthenis. “However, they say there is nothing suspicious at this time and they will continue to speak with friends and family.”

Dave Jackson, a well-known local photographer, says that he had a chance to meet Daltyn during Pride Campout this year. He remembers Daltyn as a very sweet guy, and he recalls how Daltyn and his friends created their campsite to look like Barbie’s dreamhome. Jackson himself was a victim of random violence two weeks ago when he was attacked leaving gay nightclub Play in downtown Edmonton.

Kris Wells, civilian chair of the Edmonton Police Service queer liaison committee, says he is working with police, verifying facts and following protocol.

“I want to assure the community,” says Wells, “that there is confidence in the police.” He is working with police to see if they can release an advisory.

Evans is the third Edmonton man to go missing in recent weeks. Dylan Koshman, 21, was reported missing by his girlfriend on Oct 15 and last seen leaving his cousin’s house early in the morning of Oct 11. A few days later his wallet was found in a neighbouring back yard. This morning as people were hearing about Daltyn’s disappearance, missing posters of Dylan were being put up.

Police also reported today that 38-year-old Johnny Brian Altinger is missing, last seen Oct 10.

The disappearance of these men reflect a city on the verge of change. From the boom and now potential bust, the city is struggling to keep up with growing population, increasing poverty and unmanaged wealth.