Image: Chilliwack Search and Rescue / Droves of first responders are pictured during the search for 7-year-old Lily last week, which culminated in her amazing rescue last Friday afternoon.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack rescue mission

Chilliwack SAR lauds bravery, courage of rescued 7-year-old girl

May 5, 2025 | 9:06 AM

CHILLIWACK — More details have emerged about the rescue mission involving a 7-year-old girl who wandered away from her Chilliwack River Valley home last Thursday, only to be rescued roughly 24 hours later.

Chilliwack Search and Rescue now says 7-year-old Lily was located several kilometres from her home in heavily wooded terrain, wearing only minimal clothes.

“Lily survived in the woods by herself with no food or water in nothing but Crocs and shorts and T-shirt for over 24 hours – a true testament to her remarkable character,” Chilliwack SAR said.

Chilliwack SAR began the search for Lily on Thursday evening (May 1) in steep and treacherous terrain in the Chilliwack River Valley and continued through the night. At first light the next morning, search efforts accelerated with help from up with SAR teams from throughout the Lower Mainland joining the search, along with RCMP teams, B.C. Conservation Office Service personnel, Department of Fisheries members, members of the public, and helicopters scanning the terrain from the air.

She was extracted via long line by CSAR members with the support of Valley Helicopters and reunited with her family.

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“This incredible team effort across multiple organizations posed significant operational challenges but ended with the absolute best possible outcome when Lily was found safe and sound several kms from her home in heavily wooded terrain,” CSAR said. “CSAR would like to thank all SAR teams and every other organization that helped make this a successful search in what was a monumental team effort.”

Unfortunately, Coquitlam and Ridge Meadows SAR volunteers involved in the search had their gear stolen. While assisting Chilliwack SAR, SAR packs were stolen, along with gear from other assisting teams. The RCMP is actively investigating the incident.

Image: Coquitlam Search and Rescue

By mid-morning Monday, Coquitlam RCMP reported that two of the missing packs from the Chilliwack search have been located by the RCMP and are being returned to Coquitlam SAR and Ridge Meadows SAR members. Two bags remain missing.

“Thank-you to the RCMP for their ongoing work on this case,” Coquitlam RCMP said.  “To everyone who reached out or offered support—thank you. Your kindness and encouragement mean the world to us and help ensure we can continue our mission safely and effectively.”