Unidentified Flying Object Over Merritt

In July 1969, the Merritt Herald reported on a sighting of an Unidentified Flying Object over Merritt, British Columbia. The primary witness, Mrs. A. Patenaude, residing at 1913 Parker Drive, observed the object between 8:00 and 8:30 p.m. She described the object as bright-colored, long, and round, featuring fins on the rear and emitting an orange-colored vapor resembling fire. The object traveled at a high rate of speed from east to west, crossing the horizon in less than two minutes. Mrs. Patenaude noted that the object made no sound, which she attributed to its high altitude. She attempted to alert her neighbors, but by the time she reached them, the object was descending toward the western horizon and had become less clearly defined. A passing motorist was also present at the time, and Mrs. Patenaude expressed confidence that the occupants of the vehicle had witnessed the object as well. She explicitly stated that the object was not a star, noting the absence of stars in the sky at that time, and remained convinced that she had observed a UFO.