An overdue hiker that was reported missing earlier this week out in the Abraham Lake area not far from Nordegg has been found deceased following a three-day search, RCMP have said.
Rocky Mountain House RCMP said the department had earlier this week been advised on Monday, Aug. 5 that a 55-year-old hiker in the Nordegg backcountry had been reported overdue.
“The hiker’s vehicle was quickly located in the Coral Creek staging area,” reads part of a statement issued by the detachment this afternoon, Friday, Aug. 9.
The remote, mountainous terrain is in the area of Abraham Lake along Highway 11, which is also known as the David Thompson Highway.
“An exhaustive search of the area utilizing volunteers and helicopters” led by the Rocky Mountain House RCMP began on Tuesday, Aug. 6 in coordination with support from the Rocky Mountain House Search and Rescue Society as well as Kananaskis Emergency Services, police said.
The search operation also involved a team of volunteers from the Sundre Search and Rescue Society.
The missing hiker, who has not been officially named, was eventually located deceased yesterday – Thursday, Aug. 8 – in the Coral Creek area by search and rescue volunteers and a helicopter crew approximately 12 kilometres from where his vehicle was located.
“The deceased was transported out of the area and taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner,” police reported, adding the cause of death does not appear suspicious.
“RCMP express our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” said police.
“RCMP wish to express our thanks to the volunteers of Alberta Search and Rescue for their time and professionalism during this search.”