FBI launches case after Coast Guard ends search for Iona pair

IONA - The search for two missing men from Iona has been suspended by the Coast Guard.

The U.S. Coast Guard halted their efforts to find 57-year-old Randall Spivey and 33-year-old Brandon Billmaier. The uncle and nephew pair had been the focus of an extensive search involving community members on the ground, in the water, and in the air.

Family members shared their thoughts on the decision to suspend the search.

"Few people were more concerned about the safety of innocent people than Randy and Brandon," said a family member.

The family believes the decision to stop the search was the right one.

"We know without question that they would reach the same conclusion as the experts, that everything possible has been done," said a family member.

Despite the suspension, the investigation into their disappearance is far from over. The FBI announced it has initiated a missing persons case to determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.

Former FBI agent and WINK security analyst Richard Kolko provided insight into the ongoing investigation.

"The circumstances for why these two men are missing is certainly unusual," said Kolko. "So the FBI has initiated a missing persons case. They were beyond the territorial limits of the U.S. coast. So that gives them the authority to go out and, you know, kind of try and figure out what happened."

The family expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in the search and is now seeking compassion and support during this challenging time.