Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
The Columbia Valley RCMP has reported that an avalanche claimed the life of an individual in the Forster snowmobile area on February 23.
Sergeant Jeff Witzke said police received an SOS activation from a Garmin In-Reach device indicating there was an avalanche with one person buried.
“Search and rescue were immediately deployed to the Forester snowmobile riding area where it is believed the avalanche was triggered by human activity,” Witzke said.
The officer noted the victim was taken by helicopter to the Invermere hospital. “Sadly, despite all of the life saving measures, they were pronounced deceased.”
Witzke told the Pioneer that the victim was not local to the Columbia Valley region.
“The RCMP would like to thank search and rescue, RK Heliski, EHS and all those who helped out on scene. Our thoughts are with the family and friends affected by this tragic event.”
