YOHO NATIONAL PARK – A 32-year-old man fell more than 1,000 feet to his death in a climbing accident on Mount Hungabee in Yoho National Park on the weekend.
Parks Canada rescuers recovered the body of the man on Sunday (Aug. 15) after a getting a satellite communication device message from the two distressed surviving climbers on the west ridge of the 3,492-metre peak in Yoho National Park near the boundary with Banff National Park.
“They were descending the west ridge when one member of the party slipped while unroped, and fell out of sight,” said Brian Webster, visitor safety manager for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks.
“He fell a long ways … more than 1,000 feet.”
Parks Canada rescuers plucked the surviving members off the mountain via helicopter and located the man’s body on a ledge below.
They flew the body to Field to meet the RCMP.
RCMP say the man was from Quebec but had been living in Banff more recently.
“The B.C. Coroners Service is also investigating,” said Staff Sergeant Janelle Shoihet, senior media relations officer with B.C. RCMP.
The incident illustrates the risks associated with climbing and mountaineering.
“With equipment and experience and skill you can minimize that risk down to a lower level, but you can’t completely get rid of the risk,” Webster said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the people involved and to the family of the deceased.”