The RNC has concluded an intensive search effort in the Bellevue Beach area today in the wake of the passing of Philip Smith, an ex-boyfriend of Cortney Lake, a young woman who went missing from Mount Pearl in June.

Smith’s body was found in the Bellevue Beach area early this morning.

The 25-year-old was never charged in connection with the disappearance of Cortney Lake, and police never named him as a suspect, but she was last seen alive June 7 getting into a pickup truck matching the description of one belonging to Smith.

Police say Lake was the victim of homicide.

A similar truck was later removed by police from an east end property identified by neighbours as where Smith was living.

The Wolverines, Rovers and Central Avalon ground search and rescue teams were all involved in the intensive search concentrated on an area between the Main Road in Bellevue and the Trans Canada Highway.

At around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening, the RNC called off the search at Bellevue Beach, but wouldn’t not confirm if other locations will be searched at a later date.

RNC is coordinating the effort in connection with what they will only say is an ongoing police investigation.

RNC say the Bellevue Beach area search has concluded but won’t say if all searching in connection with this file is complete; they may be searching another location tomorrow. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/US7eKFqZ9m

— Gerri Lynn Mackey (@GerriLynnMackey) November 1, 2017

Family of Cortney Lake Issues Statement

The family of Cortney Lake has issued a statement in the wake of the passing of Philip Smith, a former boyfriend.

In a written statement issued early this afternoon the family says that their condolences go out to Smith’s family as they “understand too well the heartbreak of [a] sudden and tragic loss of a loved one.”

The family says that while they acknowledge that no one has been charged in connection with Cortney’s disappearance and murder, if Smith was involved they hope he left information that will lead the family to her.

They are continuing to plead with those who may have information to contact police or Crime Stoppers so they can “honour Cortney with the dignity of a proper goodbye.”

Our family just issued this statement in response to news of the death of Philip Smith. pic.twitter.com/p3piZMOWF0

— Glenda Power (@ga3power) November 1, 2017