Canada
This article was added by the user . TheWorldNews is not responsible for the content of the platform.

32 years after Michael Dunahee disappeared, Victoria run keeps hope alive

The four-year-old boy who disappeared from the playground at Blanshard Elementary School on March 24, 1991.

A family photo of Michael Dunahee, who went missing from a Victoria playground on March 24, 1991 at age 4.
A family photo of Michael Dunahee, who went missing from a Victoria playground on March 24, 1991 at age 4. Photo by Times Colonist

The memory of Michael Dunahee still resonates in the hearts and minds of Greater Victoria residents.

The annual Michael Dunahee Keep the Hope Alive five-kilometre walk/run takes place on Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre. The event is inspired by the four-year-old boy who disappeared from the playground at Blanshard Elementary School on March 24, 1991.

Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion delivered straight to your inbox at 7 a.m., Monday to Friday.

By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails or any newsletter. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300

It is being held to raise funds for Child Find B.C. Michael’s family has moved the event to a virtual platform and is inviting those form near and far to participate.

“Please join us once again for this family event in person or from where ever you wish to participate,” says the Facebook event page.

Michael Dunahee poster in Victoria, B.C. March 23, 2011.
Michael Dunahee poster in Victoria, B.C. March 23, 2011. Photo by DARREN STONE /TIMES COLONIST

On Friday, the 32nd anniversary of the child’s disappearance, Victoria police issued a news release saying investigators continue to work on the case.

Despite more than 10,000 tips over three decades and of the largest police investigations in Canadian history, the case remains unsolved.

Michael disappeared at approximately 12:30 p.m. from the area of the Blanshard school playground, just a short distance away from his family. Many families and spectators were in the area at the time for a touch football game. An extensive search was launched for Michael, which involved hundreds of volunteers and police from multiple agencies.

In 2021, to mark 30 years since Michael was last seen, investigators released an age-enhanced sketch created by B.C. RCMP forensic sketch artist Cpl. Virginia Bernier showing Michael as he may have appeared at age 34.

Victoria police also launched vicpd.ca/michaeldunaheetips — a dedicated online tip portal. Hundreds of tips have been received and continue to be investigated, police say.

The walk/run is being held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser St.

  1. Michael Dunahee, 4, disappeared from a Victoria playground on March 24, 1991. Victoria police released an age-enhanced sketch on the 30th anniversary of his disappearance.

    Victoria police release age-enhanced sketch of Michael Dunahee, who went missing 30 years ago

  2. Michael Dunahee, 4, disappeared from a Victoria playground on March 24, 1991. Victoria police released an age-enhanced sketch on the 30th anniversary of his disappearance.

    Michael Dunahee disappearance focus of new podcast series; discusses suspects, couple of them named

Support our journalism: Our in-depth journalism is possible thanks to the support of our subscribers. For just $3.50 per week, you can get unlimited, ad-lite access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province.