FERNDALE, Wash. — A multi-agency search remains underway for Richard Rutledge, who has been missing since Dec. 28 near the Nooksack River, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
Rutledge was reported missing from the 200 block of River Road in Ferndale. Deputies launched a search and rescue operation the same day and coordinated with local, federal and volunteer agencies.
The search has included ground teams, K9 units, boats, drones and aerial support. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations provided helicopter assistance on multiple days, conducting low-altitude grid searches over the river corridor. Sheriff’s officials said that activity likely explains helicopter sightings reported by residents in late December.
Volunteer resources from Summit to Sound Search & Rescue and the Whatcom County Search & Rescue 4×4 Unit have assisted deputies, along with officers from the Blaine Police Department, the Sumas Police Department and the Everson Police Department.
Search operations continued for several days following Rutledge’s disappearance. On Dec. 30, high water levels and hazardous river conditions forced teams to suspend active river operations for safety reasons. Additional targeted search efforts resumed Jan. 4 when conditions briefly improved.
Rutledge has not been located. The search remains active but is currently paused pending safer river conditions. Authorities said operations will resume when conditions allow.
Anyone with information about Rutledge or possible sightings is asked to call 911.
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