FIELD, B.C. – A 54-year-old tourist from the United States is dead after slipping and falling at the base of Takakkaw Falls near Field in Yoho National Park.
The fatality occurred on Friday (June 16) around 1:30 p.m., and after a search well into the evening, the man's body was located in the pool at the bottom of the 373-metre high falls.
“Parks Canada staff worked to recover the individual on Saturday, June 17, in challenging conditions,” said Suzanne White, a spokesperson for Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay field unit in an email.
“Parks Canada would like to extend its sincere condolences to all those impacted by this tragic event.”
Constable Kat Robinson, media relations officer for Golden-Field RCMP, said police received an SOS alert on a satellite phone informing them that a man slipped and fell into the water at Takakkaw Falls "and had not yet emerged".
"The water level is high this time of year, and the water pressure is violent," she said.
Parks Canada officials say visitor safety specialists and Alpine Helicopters mounted a search from the air on Friday.
Staff with the federal agency, including a search dog, and other local agencies, including Golden-Field RCMP, Golden Fire Department and Field Fire and Rescue, took part in a search of the river. Field EMS also attended the scene.
"The RCMP Victim Services continue to work with the man’s family, who were visiting on a holiday when the incident occurred," said Robinson.
White said Parks Canada reminds visitors to use caution when walking beside moving water, which can be deceivingly powerful even in shallow areas.
“The ground beside the water may be soft, undercut and could give way. Rocks can be very slippery. Stay on designated pathways when possible,” she said.
“Most bodies of water in the mountain parks are fed by melting snow and ice, resulting in very cold water temperatures. Falling into very cold water can result in shock and hypothermia, even in the summer months.”
The road to Takakkaw Falls opened for the busy tourist season last week after Parks Canada crews cleared snow and debris.
