Friends and family set to mark 1 year since BC woman's disappearance

It has been one year since Amber Manthorne was last seen, and a candlelight vigil at a lighthouse in Port Alberni will mark the anniversary.

Although no update has been shared recently by investigators, friends of Manthorne’s say her boyfriend Justin Hall recently died.

Manthorne was thought to have been with Hall when she disappeared, however when he was located she was not with him.

A friend of the missing woman, Nicole Malcomson, says that Manthorne’s mother was contacted by the RCMP with the news of his death this week.

She was reported missing on July 8, 2022, and was last seen the previous day. On July 11, her ​​white 2021 Jeep Compass was found after a concerned citizen in south Nanaimo called it in to police.

The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) was called in to assist with the investigation, saying that if criminality is ruled out, the case would return to the RCMP.

VictoriaNow followed up with the RCMP and VIMCU for an update on the case, but were told that there is nothing that can be shared at this time.

Spokesperson Cpl. Alex Bérubé says that the investigation remains active. In response to the death of Justin Hall, he added that police can’t “confirm or release the names of deceased individuals unless there is an investigational need for it.”

Malcomson says the lack of official updates have been “unfortunate and frustrating” but she can only hope that there’s a rationale behind it.

“We can only continue to hope that there's a conclusion for her disappearance, and she can be brought home to her waiting loved ones,” she told VictoriaNow. “But until then, we will continue to look for her and keep her memory alive in whatever positive ways we can.”

While many questions about the missing persons case have yet to be answered, the vigil will provide an opportunity forManthorne's loved ones to remember her.

The vigil is being held at the lighthouse on Harbour Road, as a symbol for the hope that her family and friends still have.

“We chose the lighthouse as a beacon of light in the valley,” explains Malcomson.

Malcomson describes Manthorne as the “the typical, best coast, west coast girl,” with a love for the water, sunsets and being with good company.

Manthorne was building a budding clothing rental business for people who wanted to “borrow a piece of sunshine” that she brought with her outfits.

“She's adored by her friends and kids, and many knew her as ‘Auntie Chip,’” Malcomson adds. “Animals gravitated to her gentle spirit. How I remember her is a fun, bubbly blonde bombshell who would do anything for anyone and flash that megawatt smile the whole time doing it.”

“She is so loved by her friends, family and even the followers that have joined her story.”