The Penticton RCMP detachment says it㽶Ƶֱs still investigating the case of missing 92-year-old Mary Ruth Esta, believed to have perished in a house fire last week.
Esta㽶Ƶֱs remains still haven㽶Ƶֱt been uncovered, despite multiple searches of the debris in her house, which was fully engulfed in flames the night of Oct. 11.
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Esta㽶Ƶֱs granddaughter Lisa Batstone told the Western News late last week the family was on an 㽶Ƶֱemotional roller coaster㽶Ƶֱ after hearing word that an initial search had not turned up the elderly woman㽶Ƶֱs remains.
㽶ƵֱDue to her age and medical condition, it is unlikely that she could have got out, and we understand that it may be unlikely that she is ever located,㽶Ƶֱ said Esta㽶Ƶֱs stepson Rick Gammer in an RCMP release Wednesday afternoon.
㽶ƵֱOur family is very appreciative of the efforts of all first responders and realize what a difficult job it is for them.㽶Ƶֱ
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When emergency crews responded to the massive blaze in the early evening, the fire had already spread to a second home, which was also destroyed.
Engulfed in a massive fire ball, fuelled by debris in and around the house, over the course of the evening, Esta㽶Ƶֱs house collapsed.
RCMP say they have no reason to suspect foul play or criminality at this time.
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