INNISFAIL – The RCMP has confirmed that one of two men killed in a Rocky Mountain avalanche on May 30 is a resident from Innisfail.
In a news release issued on June 3, the RCMP said they have received confirmation of the identities of the two climbers who died as a result of a May 30 avalanche on Mount Andromeda, located within the Columbia Icefield on the boundary of Banff and Jasper national parks.
Although the RCMP did not release the names, they identified the deceased as a 30-year-old male from Innisfail and a 28-year-old male from Cochrane.
On May 30, Jasper RCMP said they were contacted by Parks Canada about an avalanche that had occurred at about 7:45 a.m.
The RCMP said Parks Canada initiated rescue efforts, and Jasper RCMP confirmed two deceased were subsequently recovered from the scene and efforts were being made with the Office of the Medical Examiners to confirm identifies. The RCMP added it appeared the two deceased were involved in recreational activities in the mountain area.
The Jasper RCMP noted Parks Canada Visitor Safety personnel from Banff and Jasper, the Parks Canada Search and Rescue canine team, STARS, Emergency Medical Services ground ambulances, and two private helicopter companies were involved in the rescue efforts, as well as members of the public.
A gofundme.com page has been created for both deceased mountain climbers.
