Jacqueline McDermott’s parents join search for the missing K-W woman (update)

The parents of Jaqueline McDermott, a missing 22-year-old woman from Waterloo Region have flown out to British Columbia to join in the search for their daughter. 

McDermott's parents are fundraising for additional search and investigation efforts, in addition to air travel, meals, and a variety of supplies; their GoFundMe is currently sitting at just under $50,000 of its $60,000 goal. 

“Every time you close your eyes, you go down a rabbit hole that you don’t want to go down,” said Nathalie, McDermott's mom. “(She) basically disappeared without a trace. It’s unbelievable. It’s crazy.”

According to a statement on GoFundMe, on September 30th, Jaqueline (Jaqui) McDermott left a yoga retreat. Her vehicle was later found, broken down, on Highway 97C between Merritt and Logan Lake, British Columbia.

Local community members recall seeing McDermott around her vehicle and all of her belongings were found inside the van. 

RCMP Air Services, Police Dog Services, and Search & Rescue conducted an extensive search on land and in the air, but there's no sign McDermott at this time.

In a previous story, a mountie's spokesperson confirmed to CityNews 570 that McDermott is originally from the Kitchener area.

“Our investigation is a priority and while we have yet to determine where she is or what may have happened, nothing has been ruled out,” wrote RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson in an e-mail statement.