A missing Lakeland man connected to a rural break and enter investigation has been found deceased.

RCMP confirmed that Rory Cardinal, 35, who was last seen February 15 in the Kikino area, has been located. Few details have been released about where or how he was found.

The discovery brings a tragic end to a search that drew concern across the region and raised questions from his family.

Disappearance followed police pursuit

Cardinal went missing after fleeing on foot during a police response to a break and enter in Smoky Lake County.

On February 16, Smoky Lake RCMP were called around 6:50 p.m. after homeowners received a motion alert showing someone had entered their rural cottage property.

When officers arrived, they encountered a suspect vehicle fleeing the scene. A coordinated response followed involving multiple RCMP units, including the Real Time Operations Centre, Police Dog Services and aerial drone support.

The vehicle was eventually stopped along Highway 36.

Two suspects were arrested at the scene, while a third was located nearby with the help of a drone. A fourth suspect — now identified as Cardinal — fled into the bush toward Kikino Métis Settlement.

Police used search dogs and thermal imaging but lost track of him in deep snow and extreme cold. The search was called off due to weather conditions.

Three charged, one fled

RCMP confirmed the following individuals were arrested and charged:

• Ryan Cardinal (46), Beaver Lake

• Suzie Cardinal (45), Lac La Biche

• Tommy Gladue (56), Elizabeth Métis Settlement

All three face charges including break and enter, possession of stolen property and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Suzie Cardinal also faces additional charges including breach of probation and possession of a restricted weapon, along with outstanding warrants.

Tommy Gladue faces additional charges including failing to comply with a release order and resisting arrest.

Ryan Cardinal and Tommy Gladue were remanded into custody with a court appearance on February 19, while Suzie Cardinal was remanded until February 26.

Family raised concerns during search

In the weeks following his disappearance, Cardinal’s family publicly raised concerns about how the situation was handled.

They say they were not contacted for several days, despite RCMP confirming they knew Cardinal was involved the night of the incident.

Family and volunteers led extensive searches in harsh winter conditions, often without clear direction on where to look.

They also raised concerns about land clearing activity in the area where Cardinal was last seen.

Community mourning

Cardinal’s death has brought an emotional end to the search.

Family members had been vocal that regardless of circumstances, he deserved to be found and brought home.

No further details have been released regarding the cause of death.