AUPE marks five-year anniversary of Stephanie Stewart Disappearance
EDMONTON – Today marks five years since 70-year-old Stephanie Stewart vanished from her post at an Athabasca lookout tower near Hinton while on duty as a fire spotter, a job she held for 18 fire seasons.
The case is being treated as a homicide.
“We’re hoping to see this mystery solved soon so the family can have some peace. It’s truly a heartbreaking story and Stephanie’s family, friends and co-workers deserve answers,” said AUPE President Guy Smith.
“AUPE and its members continue to mourn her disappearance and we’re encouraging anyone with any information to please come forward,” said Smith.
On May 10, 2007, an expert panel submitted a report regarding the incident at the Athabasca Lookout Tower and 12 safety recommendations were made to Sustainable Resource Development, the ministry Stewart worked for.
“We were happy to see the ministry implement all 12 safety recommendations in light of this incident,” said AUPE Occupational Health and Safety Representative Dennis Malayko.
The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees has reaffirmed its $10,000 contribution to the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
Those with information are urged to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or the Hinton RCMP at 780-865-5544.
For more information:
Dennis Malayko, OH&S Specialist, AUPE, 780-930-3362 or 780-910-0805 (cellular)
Mark Wells, Senior Communications Advisor, AUPE, 780-930-3311, or 780-904-0688 (cellular)