By Canadian Press

Snowshoer dies after overnight search on Vancouver-area mountain: RCMP

Jan 15, 2021 | 7:43 PM

SQUAMISH, B.C. — A snowshoer who set out alone on a rugged mountain trail on Vancouver’s north shore Thursday has died.

Squamish RCMP say the 21-year-old woman from Ontario was removed from a steep gully Friday morning after an overnight search.

She was found on the east side of the Howe Sound Crest Trail about five kilometres from the Cypress Mountain ski area.

The Mounties say the woman was transported back to the base of North Shore Rescue and medical staff pronounced her dead.

Officials with the search and rescue group say the woman was found about 20 hours after she contacted a friend in Toronto to report she was lost.

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That friend reported that the woman called to say she was returning from St. Mark’s Summit and realized she had strayed from the trail.

North Shore Rescue scoured the area using night-vision equipment, but poor weather and snow conditions complicated their efforts.

RCMP say in a news release they will work with the BC Coroners Service to determine all the facts surrounding the woman’s death.

Sgt. Sascha Banks says in the release that their thoughts are with the woman’s family and friends.

Banks urged anyone heading into the backcountry to research the Sea to Sky area, take the necessary gear, assess their skill level and know the conditions.

“Please know this: if you are in the backcountry and need help, stop and call 911, ourselves and our very experienced search teams will do everything we can to find you.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 15, 2021.

The Canadian Press