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Police confirmed Monday that the dead man found near their truck was neither McLeod nor Schmegelsky.

He was described as being white, 5-8 to 5-10 with a heavy build, about 50 to 60 years old with grey hair and grey bushy beard.

McLeod and Schmegelsky were travelling through B.C. to visit Whitehorse to look for work. It is not clear why they returned to B.C. and what their travel plans might be.

“Kam and Bryer have periodically connected with family and friendsover the past week and it is possible that they are now in an area withoutcell coverage,” said Dawn Roberts of B.C. RCMP Communications.

“However, we have found their vehicle and have not been able to locate either of them at this time. We are asking for Kam or Bryer to connect with police right away and let us know you are OK. Or we ask that anyone who may have spoken to or seen them over the last few days to call police so we can get a better understanding as to where they might be or their plans.”

McLeod is described as 6-foot-4, approximately 169 pounds, with dark brown hair and facial hair. Schmegelsky is 6-foot-4 and around 169 pounds with sandy brown hair.

The two were travelling in a red and grey Dodge pickup truck with a sleeping camper and B.C. licence plate LW6433. They were last seen travelling south from the Super A general store in Dease Lake at around 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, July 18.

Police have also acknowledged there are growing public concerns that this incident may be connected to the situation south of Liard Hot Springs, where the bodies of Chynna Noelle Deese of the United States and Lucas Robertson Fowler of Australia were found on Monday.

The incidents occurred within days of each other, but are separated by approximately 470 kilometres.

Dease Lake RCMP are asking for any witnesses who were in the area who may have dash-cam footage to come forward. Anyone with information about McLeod and Schmegelsky can contact Dease Lake RCMP at 250-771-4111, North District major crimes at 250-613-6744 or Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-8477.