Search efforts for missing Merritt cowboy Ben Tyner have been stood down.

“We are in day seven of our search and as of this point no evidence of Mr. Tyner has been found and as a result the search has been suspended.”

Kamloops Search and Rescue spokesperson Jenn Stahn says while search and rescue staff were disappointed to have to stand down it was the right call.

“After seven days of non-stop searching our members were starting to get quite tired and burned out. We noticed some members were starting to get injured more easily as well because of that. So for searcher safety it was becoming a reason to stand down the task.”

As for what happens now.

“Looking forward RCMP will continue to keep the file open and they will be looking at any evidence that comes in or any tips that come in. If anything comes in that they feel is worth investigating more we are standing by and ready to be called out again.”

Tyner was last seen Saturday January 26th and his horse was found without him the following Monday.