Ywanna (Jean) Backman, a 70-year-old woman, went missing on October 19, 2023, from her RM of Piney home. More than a year later, despite ongoing efforts from both the police and the community, her whereabouts remain unknown. Jean’s daughter, Vanessa Backman, spoke about the emotional toll of her mother’s disappearance, expressing a mix of hope and heartache as they continue to search for answers. While Vanessa acknowledges the efforts of the RCMP and the community in the search for her mother, she feels that all possible search options have been exhausted without any positive outcomes.
Vanessa shared fond memories of her mother, highlighting her mother’s ability to make everyone feel special and loved. She mentioned missing their long phone conversations and the simple gestures of love and support that her mother used to express. On the anniversary of Jean’s disappearance, the RCMP issued another public call for tips, indicating that the investigation is still ongoing but has been challenging due to a lack of evidence at the scene. Sergeant Paul Manaigre mentioned that the case is baffling due to the limited information available to investigators, making it difficult to determine if foul play was involved.
Despite the challenges faced in the investigation, Manaigre emphasized the importance of community involvement and encouraged people to come forward with any information, no matter how small it may seem. He highlighted the need for open communication and shared that even minor details could be crucial in solving the case. Manaigre mentioned that the police are following up on various theories but are unable to disclose them to the public as the investigation is still active. He emphasized the role of the public as additional eyes and ears in helping find Jean and urged anyone with information to contact the Sprague RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Vanessa Backman expressed her gratitude for the continuous support from the community and the efforts of the RCMP in trying to find her missing mother. She mentioned that life has been incredibly different since her mother’s disappearance, with a constant mix of hope and heartache as they wait for answers. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Jean’s whereabouts, Vanessa remains hopeful that they will find her and be able to celebrate her life and the impact she had on those around her. She reflected on the qualities that she misses most about her mother, emphasizing her love, support, and ability to make everyone feel special.
The search for Ywanna (Jean) Backman has garnered attention from both the public and private sectors, with community members from near and far coming together to support the efforts to find her. Vanessa acknowledged the widespread support and assistance received in the search for her mother, expressing gratitude for the extended search efforts made by both the RCMP and the community. Despite the challenges faced and the lack of concrete leads, Vanessa remains committed to finding her mother and bringing closure to their family. She shared the impact of her mother’s absence on their lives and the void left by her unwavering love and support, underscoring the importance of finding Jean and bringing her home safely.
