Robert McKean - Missing in Whistler Since October 9th, 2023

Missing Whistler Resident Robert McKean

Community urged to stay vigilant for clues, including a small dog collar.

Who is Robert McKean?

Robert McKean, an 80-year-old Whistler, British Columbia resident, has been missing since October 9th, 2023, a Monday and Thanksgiving Day in Canada. He was last seen walking his small dog, Lexi, in the Alpine Meadows neighborhood. Despite extensive search efforts, neither McKean nor Lexi has been found, and the Whistler RCMP continues to seek public assistance. Below are the key details about McKean and his disappearance:

Detail	Description
Name	Robert McKean
Age	80 years old at the time of his disappearance
Gender	Male
Date Missing	October 9th, 2023 (Monday, Thanksgiving Day)
Last Seen	Top of Alpine Way, Alpine Meadows, Whistler, BC, around 10:20 a.m. (last seen on a security camera); some sources mention the 8600 Block of Forest Ridge Drive (Pique News Magazine).
Clothing	Green jacket, blue jeans, blue Vancouver Canucks hoodie, baseball cap
Health Condition	Has dementia
Companion	Lexi, a small white and ginger Cavalier Spaniel, likely wearing a blue harness with a blue and white checkered leash (Global News/Simon Little/October 16th, 2023).

The Search Effort

When Robert McKean went missing, the Whistler community rallied together. Over 300 search-and-rescue members from 21 teams, along with police, firefighters, drones, and volunteers, logged more than 2,600 hours searching for him. The effort focused on the Alpine Meadows area, including nearby trails like Rainbow Falls, Rainbow Lake, and 19 Mile Creek. Despite these efforts, the search was suspended on October 15, 2023, pending new leads. However, the investigation remains active as of August 2025, with the Whistler RCMP continuing to pursue any new information.

On August 3rd, 2025, I hiked Rainbow Falls and noticed an RCMP poster for McKean. The poster, shown below, features McKean, a lean individual, and his small dog, Lexi. It asks that anyone using the area be aware of this missing person.

Theories on Robert McKean’s Disappearance

What happened to Robert McKean is not known but his dementia is mentioned in numerous sources. This suggests that his mental health is thought to be a major factor in his disappearance, which would position this missing person's case as probably not clandestine in nature, in my opinion.

Below are some possible explanations:

• Disorientation Due to Dementia: McKean’s dementia could have caused him to become disoriented while walking Lexi in Alpine Meadows. He may have wandered into a remote area, such as the dense forests or steep trails near Rainbow Falls or 19 Mile Creek. 
• Accident in Remote Terrain: This theory cannot be separated from the dementia but McKean may have suffered an accident, such as a fall, in Whistler’s rugged terrain, which includes steep slopes, creeks, and dense forests near Alpine Meadows. His dementia could have led him to inadvertently enter an area like Rainbow Falls, where confusion could make navigation difficult.
• Encounter with a Third Party: It’s possible McKean encountered someone while walking, either a passerby or someone who interacted with him. 
• Natural Predation or Environmental Hazard: Whistler’s wilderness hosts wildlife like bears and cougars, and in October, bears undergo hyperphagia, a period of intense feeding before hibernation, making it a more dangerous time to hike. McKean or Lexi could have encountered a bear, though no evidence supports this.

Suicide is a possibility in most miss persons cases but I don't consider it probable in this case. McKean brought a pet with him. Pet owners care about their pets so someone going into the forest for suicide, in my opinion, probably wouldn't bring their pet out of concern that it would be in danger when the person died (ie. an owner killing himself would leave the pet vulnerable).

A Tiny Clue Could Make a Big Difference

Lexi, McKean’s small Cavalier Spaniel, was with him when he disappeared. This tiny dog, described as white and ginger, was likely wearing a blue harness with a blue and white checkered leash.

If you’re hiking in areas like Rainbow Falls or other Whistler trails on the north side of Alta Lake, keep an eye out for something as small as a dog collar or items matching the described pet paraphernalia. It might seem insignificant, but such a find could be a critical clue in locating McKean. Furthermore, these items would survive for a long time in the forest. Before discarding any item that looks like a dog collar, consider its potential importance—it could belong to Lexi and provide a lead in this ongoing case.

Community Vigilance

In spring 2024, the Whistler RCMP placed posters at key trailheads, including Rainbow Falls, Rainbow Lake, Rick’s Roost, and 19 Mile Creek Bridge, urging hikers to stay alert. These signs serve as a reminder that even months after McKean’s disappearance, the community’s role in noticing small details remains vital. Whether it’s a piece of clothing, a dog collar, or any unusual item, your observation could help bring closure to McKean’s family.

Last updated: August 4th, 2025