DAWSON CREEK -- The cousin of a 14-year-old boy who went missing from Dawson Creek nearly eight years ago is sharing new insight into his disappearance after a weekend search failed to turn up any new clues.
Daniel Johnson, who refers to Denny Poole as a brother, now believes the search has shifted from that of a missing person to locating a body.
“I honestly have a feeling that we're just going to find remains,” said Johnson in an interview with CJDC-TV.
Johnson says he last heard from Denny the day he went missing, telling him he loved him and would see him later after the then 14-year-old said he was going out with a friend—a later that never came.
“I know we're not going to find him alive-- a lot of people say we will find him alive, but it's been eight years now,” said Johnson.
Johnson says he’s heard many speculative stories as to what might have happened to his cousin, who would be 23 years old in 2024.
He would like to remain hopful, however, believes that Denny may have been attacked by a bear after going missing while walking from Dawson Creek to Fort St. John along the Old Alaska Highway on March 12, 2016.
Johnson adds that the family will look into talking to police about creating an updated sketch of what Denny would look like today in an effort to help with searches being organized for July and August.
He describes Denny as someone who was outgoing and loved his family, especially his kokum, cree for grandmother, who’s dying wish to find closure for Denny-- passing away before he could be found.
The renewed search comes on the heels of the discovery of Renee Didder’s body along the Kiskatinaw River by an industrial worker conducting water samples late last month.
Denny Poole is described at the time of his disappearance as:
- Aboriginal
- 15 years old at the time he went missing
- Approximately 130 lbs
- Between 5’6 and 6’ tall
- Black hair that was short and long in the front
He was last seen wearing size 10 men’s Osiris high top shoes (purple, green, blue and black), blue jeans, a grey hoody with the letters ‘DC’ on the front, and a black flat brimmed hat.
The ongoing investigation remains active with the Dawson Creek RCMP who continue to follow up on leads and existing file information.
“There’s a lot of emotions going on with this because I know if he isn't here anymore, then he's at peace somewhere,” finished Johnson.
Anyone with information on Denny’s location or his disappearance is requested to contact the Dawson Creek RCMP at 250-784-3700 or if you wish to remain anonymous please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
