Dietmar Josef Faeth

The Disappearance

Who: Dietmar Josef Faeth, reported to be about 73-74 years old at the time of disappearance. Prince George Citizen
When: He went missing in October 2010. Prince George Citizen
Where: Off Upper Fraser Forest Service Road near Sinclair Mills, British Columbia, Canada. Prince George Citizen

Faeth was described as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed extended trips into remote backcountry areas. On this particular trip, he had planned to visit a spot he was familiar with. His means of travel included a distinctive orange Dodge camper van, which was found at the scene—but beyond that, almost no trace of him has been discovered. Prince George Citizen

What Is Known

Here are the facts pieced together from available public records:

In October 2010, Faeth left for a backcountry trip, to a location he knew well. Prince George Citizen
He did not return as scheduled. Concerned acquaintances reported him missing. Prince George Citizen
His distinctive orange campervan was located in the area where he was last known to be. Prince George Citizen
Multiple searches were carried out by Prince George RCMP and Prince George Search and Rescue. These included searches in November and, later, in July (after snow had melted) of the following year. Prince George Citizen
His disappearance continues to be unsolved; no physical evidence has definitively been tied to him beyond the van. Prince George Citizen

Possible Scenarios & Open Questions

Given the circumstances, several possible explanations emerge. However, many uncertainties remain.

Possible Explanations

Accidental misadventure in the wilderness
Given his familiarity with backcountry travel, Faeth might have encountered one or more natural hazards: steep terrain, sudden weather changes, wildlife, or injuring himself while hiking away from the van. Once off established trails, someone can become quickly disoriented or incapacitated.
Medical emergency
At 73-74, the possibility of a heart attack, stroke, or other medical event occurring while alone is plausible. If such an event occurred far from help, he may have been unable to call for assistance.
Exposure/hypothermia
The area sees substantial snow and cold in the fall and winter. If he got stranded or delayed, exposure could be deadly. Indeed, searches encountered snow, which complicates both survival and recovery of evidence. Prince George Citizen
Voluntary disappearance
Less likely, but an option: perhaps Faeth intended not to be found, though evidence (unclaimed plane ticket, etc.) suggests he had plans (to fly out) which he did not follow through—but this could also be a result of him going missing unexpectedly. Prince George Citizen
Foul play
There is no public evidence for foul play (so far as available sources go). However, remote wilderness areas can hide misfortune, including criminal acts, intentionally or incidentally. The lack of clues could point to something more sinister or simply point to remoteness.
Animal encounter
In remote forested areas wildlife pose a real hazard. Though there is no direct indication of this in Faeth’s case, it remains a possibility.

Key Questions That Remain Unanswered

Did Faeth leave his vehicle (the camper van) voluntarily, or was he forced or compelled to leave it (e.g. in search of help, or due to mechanical difficulty)?
What was the exact date and time of last confirmed communication or sighting?
Was there any personal gear (backpack, food, clothing) found? Any footprints or trails leading away?
Was the weather forecast or actual weather in that region around that date severe? Did weather conditions make travel or rescue especially difficult?
Did Faeth have personal GPS or tracking devices? Did he tell anyone the precise route?
Did the searches cover all plausible routes and likely fall zones, given his profile and the geography?
Did the unclaimed plane ticket (he was due to fly out Nov 10) indicate he had intended to leave the backcountry by that date, or was that just a plan that became moot when he failed to return? Prince George Citizen

The Search Efforts

Searches were conducted in November 2010, shortly after his disappearance, and then again in July the following year (after the snow melted) when terrain conditions were more favorable. Prince George Citizen
The RCMP and Search & Rescue used dog units, as well as ground searches. Prince George Citizen
The area is rugged, forested, with snow, making searches especially difficult once time has passed. Snow can cover tracks, move or degrade evidence, and make visibility of small signs (like a dropped item) much harder.

Why This Case Has Stayed Unsolved

Time lapse reduces evidence. Once snow covers tracks, animals disturb the site, weather changes terrain, etc., much is lost.
Remote terrain makes it difficult to conduct exhaustive searches. Even with knowledge of the area, it is nearly impossible to comb every possibility.
Limited physical clues. With only the camper van located, and no confirmed personal item or remains, it is hard to anchor investigations.
Weather and season. Snow affects both survival chances and ability to find clues; searches during or immediately after snowfall are hampered.
Age and expected plan vs reality. Older persons planning extended backcountry trips is more unusual, though not rare; perhaps individuals helping him misinterpreted timelines, so the delay in reporting may have stalled early search efforts.

What This Case Reminds Us Of

The risks that even experienced outdoors-people face in wilderness, especially when alone.
The necessity of letting someone know detailed trip plans: route, expected return times, emergency contacts.
The importance of rapid response in missing persons cases in remote areas, because evidence disappears or is degraded quickly.
The emotional burden on families and communities when someone vanishes without trace—it’s not only the unknown that hurts, but the enduring hope and uncertainty.

In Conclusion

Dietmar Josef Faeth’s disappearance is one of those tragic mysteries that combines wilderness, time, and scant evidence. It’s a reminder that nature is unforgiving and that sometimes even the best-prepared can disappear. Yet, from what is publicly known:

He was last seen in October 2010 in a place he knew.
His camper van was found, but little else.
Searches turned up nothing conclusive.

Unless new evidence emerges—someone finds gear, remains, tracks, or a witness comes forward—this may remain unsolved. That said, cold cases have been solved decades later with advances in technology, renewed witness statements, or simply someone who had important information finally deciding to share.