Camping investigated in disappearance

HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) - Holland authorities are investigating whether a mother of three meant to go camping before she disappeared about two weeks ago.

Emelene VanDyke, 36, disappeared from her College Avenue residence on Valentine's Day weekend. She had taken some vacation time, but was reported missing after she never returned to work. There have been no sightings of her, police say.

Detectives have executed several search warrants for records and locations, and conducted interviews to learn what happened in the days before her disappearance.

VanDyke is known to enjoy camping, and investigators discovered that some of her camping gear was missing from her home. She may have left the area to go camping, authorities say, but she did not leave any indication as to where she was going.

VanDyke was last seen driving the new car she purchased: a gray, four-door 2013 Hyundai Accent. Her Michigan license plate number is CGE1862.

She has sandy blonde hair, hazel eyes, and is around 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 200 pounds.

Anyone who may have information on VanDyke's disappearance is asked to contact the Holland Department of Public Safety at 616.355.1100 or detectives at 616.355.1150. You can also email investigators at policetips@cityofholland.com.
 
Investigators reiterated Monday there is no known connection between VanDyke and missing Big Rapids man Fred Byrne, 49, who disappeared from the Holland area on Feb. 12, and whose vehicle was found Feb. 14 in Missouri.