Investigation Continues for Man Who Went Missing in Twelve Mile Creek

Man submerged into water while trying to rescue his dog

Police continue to investigate after a man went missing in Twelve Mile Creek in St. Catharines. 

Around 8:50 Sunday night, Liam Neumann was rafting in the area with his dog. 

When he got out, the raft started to float away with the dog still inside. 

He tried to save the animal, and became submerged in the water.

The raft and the dog were found by St. Catharines Fire Personnel, and the animal is being cared for by family. 

Family friend Jordan Meyer tells us Neuman would have done anything for the dog. 

"He's a hero. From a witness account, he had come around the bend and they were telling him that there were rapids ahead, so he tried to get to the edge of the shore. He had the boat with him and he slipped, and the boat must have slipped out of his hand, and he went after it. He jumped right back in to save the dog."

Meyer also notes it's getting harder to hold onto hope. 

"There's been a very extensive search effort made by police and rescue teams. Even the water and power, they drained the creek down six feet yesterday to assist with the search, and they still haven't found anything."

He says there should be more signage in the area to warn people about the rapids. 

Police say while searches have been conducted, they have been called off at times due to hazards and bad weather. 

Niagara Regional Police has also released the following update on the status of the investigation: 

"The missing person investigation remains open and ongoing by 1 District detectives. Searches were conducted by officers on the night of the incident, and the following days (June 26, 27, 28).  On June 29 NRPS Marine and Canine unit officers were searching the land and water near and along and water along 12 Mile Creek and Martindale Pond in St Catharines. Waterflow rate and levels had been dropped significantly by Ontario Power Generation to allow for greater search access.  

 Members of our Emergency Task Unit (ETU) were assisted by the Niagara Civilian Air Search and Rescue Agency (CASARA).  ETU and Niagara CASARA conducted UAV/drone flights north and south along 12 Mile Creek.  Tragically Liam Neumann remains missing.  

 Detectives are reviewing the investigation and search efforts to determine if further areas require searching, as such active search efforts have stopped."

Anyone with information is asked to call Niagara Regional Police.