UPDATED: Family of Rita Chretien addresses public after remains of missing Albert Chretien found
By Contributor
The family of Rita Chretien released a statement Tuesday in Penticton regarding the finding of their father Albert in Elko County in Nevada Saturday.
The family have asked that the public and media respect their request for privacy from this point forward as they contend with the confirmed death of Albert Chretien and the recovery of his remains.
Good Morning.
I speak this morning on behalf of Rita and family.
I am Henry, Albert’s older brother. On September the twenty third of this year Rita with four others, returned from a very successful nine-day tour.
The purpose of the tour was to thank those who searched for her and Albert, those who prayed for them, and those who encouraged us over the last year and a bit.
Rita shared much of her story with the people we met, answering many questions and having many questions answered by searchers.
Many of the searchers expressed the need to find Albert as they felt their missions were incomplete and the also needed closure. We take this opportunity to once again thank the searchers, prayers and encouragers.
We give special thanks to the RCMP, the Elko County Sheriff’s Office and all of the agencies who took this search seriously and cooperated effectively.
We are thankful to you the media, for doing your job.
Without the publicity you gave us there would have been fewer searches, especially by the volunteers. The family also wanted a tangible closure.
September 29 at about 4 p.m., one week after our trip, Albert’s remains were found by hunters.
Our understanding is, Albert’s remains were found resting under a tree. He had placed his back pack where it could be seen. He laid down under the protection of the tree for a much needed rest and died peacefully in his sleep.
After leaving the van, he walked approximately ten miles and climbed 2300 feet in altitude in adverse conditions. His clothed skeleton was intact, his blanket and other possessions were with him.
We conclude that he was not attacked before or after his death by mountain lions or other large predators. This brings us comfort.
We had long concluded that Albert was in heaven already. We now have more insight into his last day here. We now have comfort and closure to this chapter in our lives.
We say Praise the lord Jesus.
Albert wanted to be buried in Penticton. We will honor his desire as soon as possible.
This family is not used to a lot attention.
Most of us prefer privacy over limelight. I would like to thank you, the media, again for doing your job.
After this interview we hope to go back to our private lifestyle, sharing about what God has done when appropriate, and being better people because of what Albert has taught us.
Henry Chretien
PREVIOUS STORY: Remains of missing Penticton man found by hunters
Two hunters in Nevada found remains of missing Albert Chretien of Penticton during the weekend in a wooded area in Northern Elko County local officials said.
Chretien was last seen by his wife Rita going to find help after their vehicle became stuck on a road in the Nevada mountains while the couple was on a trip to a conference in Las Vegas.
The identity of Chretien was made from his wallet and business cards.
The couple became stuck on the snowy northeastern Nevada logging road after the two decided to use GPS to take what was thought to be shortcut en route from their home in Penticton in the spring of 2011.
Albert Chretien had reportedly tried to look for help on foot, while his wife stayed in their Chevrolet Astro minivan.
Rita Chretien survived for 48 days in minivan, praying and eating candy, trail mix and snow.
The hunters found Albert Chretien’s body in the wooded area.
He was about 10 kilometers from the nearest town and had walked about 15 km.
Chretien’s family will speak publicly Tuesday.
