30 Year Old Dies in Avalanche Near Pemberton
Friday, December 30, 2011 @ 1:54 PM
Pemberton, B.C.- An avalanche has claimed the life of a 30 year old Whistler man, who was skiing in the Pemberton back country.
Duncan MacKenzie of Whistler / Pemberton was caught in an avalanche yesterday afternoon in the Casper Creek area north of Pemberton. He was one of four adults skiing when the avalanche occurred.
Duncan MacKenzie was swept away and it is estimated that he traveled approximately 1800 metres down the mountain. When the other three skiers found him, he was severely injured and unconscious. One skier stayed with him, administering CPR, while the other two went to seek help which arrived many hours later.
When Whistler RCMP received notification of the incident, the Whistler/Pemberton Search and Rescue Team was immediately contacted and engaged. An attempt was made to access the area via local area helicopter, however the efforts were not successful due to the approach of darkness. CFB Comox 442 Squadron was engaged however they encountered difficulty in accessing the area as well due to dangerous weather conditions. Ground Search and Rescue Teams were dispatched to the area. Upon locating the two individuals, the ground Search and Rescue Team determined that MacKenzie was deceased.
“The area where this occurred had a high avalanche warning in effect and we urge even the most experienced back country enthusiasts to stay out of these types of areas when such warnings are in place. It is not worth your life,” said Sgt.Peter Thiessen, Senior Media Relations Officer with EDIV and the Lower Mainland District Regional Police Service.
The Ground Search and Rescue Team, along with the other three skiers departed the area as weather conditions were severe. The Ground Search and Rescue Team needed to acquire additional resources and equipment to safely recovery the body of Duncan MacKenzie. That process is hoped to take place today, weather permitting.
This is the second avalance fatal this season. In November, a snowmobiler from Prince George died in a slide in the Torpey recreation area east of Prince George.
Click here to go to the Canadian Avalanche Association/Center website for Avalanche Safety Education and avalanche conditions.
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RIP!!!
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