The B.C. Coroner Service is actively investigating the death of Canmore resident Doug Churchill.
Churchill was in a group of 13 skiers in a guided tour that was struck by a size two or three avalanche in the Esplanade Mountain area, Feb. 21 near Golden, B.C.
Seven members of the group were taken to hospital, including two female Canmore residents, 62 and 53.
The incident shadowed an Avalanche Canada public awareness bulletin issued, warning those entering B.C.’s central and southern interior ranges on Feb. 19-22. The warning included the Golden area were the incident occurred - which the tour guide was unaware of, or ignored.
The B.C. Coroner Service’s investigation is to determine the facts, said Barb McLintock, coroner, strategic programs.
When the investigation is complete, entities such as the RCMP can view the public report and make a decision on civil liability.
“Our investigation is neutral fact finding,” said McLintock, “and that doesn’t mean someone can’t look at our report and make decisions later.”
