Search for Littleton Officer Steven Beare, missing on Russian mountain, officially suspended

LITTLETON, Colo. – The Littleton Police Department and the family of Officer Steven Beare thanked the community for their support Wednesday as the department announced the search for the officer, who went missing on a solo climbing expedition in Russia, has been suspended.

“On behalf of the loved ones of Littleton Police Officer Steven Beare and his LPD family, Chief Doug Stephens thanks those from the Littleton community and everyone around the world for their physical, financial, and emotion support during the search for Steven on Mount Elbrus,” the department wrote in a news release.

Beare’s wife, Olivia, hinted Tuesday that the search might be called off shortly.

“There is just too much snow and harsh weather conditions to continue,” she wrote on Facebook Tuesday. “Life itself as I know it is looking extremely bleak.”

Steven Beare, who is also a member of the National Guard, set out to summit Mount Elbrus earlier this month, but was reported missing June 16 in the midst of a severe snow storm in the area.

Mount Elbrus is Europe’s tallest mountain. Beare had set out to climb the seven highest peaks in the world, and had already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Beare family had enlisted a top mountaineer, Don Bowie, to aid in search efforts, and Rep. Mike Coffman, a Colorado Republican, met with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. late last week to secure more Russian help.

Bowie’s crew and Russian teams have searched for days for Beare without luck.

The Littleton Police Department said Wednesday that search operations are being scaled back this week and there is no new information about Beare’s whereabouts.

“Olivia, Steven’s parents, and extended family ask that you keep them in your prayers. The LPD and city family will continue to help them in any way possible,” the department said, adding that the family is requesting privacy for the time being.

“They will provide updates when there is new information, but still hope to bring Steven home to Colorado,” the department said.

Olivia Beare and her husband have a 20-month-old child and she is pregnant with their second child.

“I want to express my gratitude for the many ways my family has been helped and encouraged,” Olivia said in a statement via the police department. “These difficult times have been eased by so many acts of kindness.”