Authorities say one man was killed and two other people were injured in a separate series of events in the Rocky Mountains west of Calgary.
Canmore RCMP, along with Kananaskis Public Safety and Kananaskis Emergency Services, were called to an area near Mount Yamnuska for reports a hiker had fallen.
The report indicated the 30-year-old man from Calgary was hiking in the scree section of the trail at about 2:10 p.m. Saturday when he fell approximately six metres.
While the injured male was being helped by a number of bystanders, several boulders came free from the slope and fell down on top of them.
The victim suffered a head injury as a result. The bystanders remained at the scene and administered first aid until help arrived.
Crews from both Alpine Helicopters and STARS Air Ambulance attended the scene but, unfortunately, the man died of his injuries.
The victim’s identity is not being released as officials are notifying family.
“Unfortunately (Saturday) at Yamnuska was very busy for first responders,” said Cpl. Sabrina Clayton of the Canmore RCMP detachment.
TWO OTHERS INJURED ON THE SCREE SLOPE
Leaders from the mountain climbing community say the section of trail is notoriously tricky if not treacherous.
“Injuries and accidents on Yamnuska go back as far as people have been heading up there to hike and climb,” said Brandon Pullan, editor-in-chief of Gripped magazine.
“There’s no denying it, there’s a lot that can go wrong. It just takes one loose rock or a foot to slip. But if you are in the climbing or the mountain community, you should be prepared to lose people.”
RECENT FATAL CLIMBS
At the end of June a woman died in a fall on nearby Mount Fable.
Trina Ramanaden is remembered by friends and family as an avid hiker.
According to Kananaskis rescue officials. helicopters spotted her body on the southeast ridge of the mountain face.
Charles Mark, a resident of the nearby Stoney Nakoda First Nation says he is saddened to learn of the recent fatal incidents and says preparation and reflection is important before any mountain experience.
“You have to respect the mountain. Before you go up the mountain always offer tobacco and pray then you go up.”
RCMP are also advising extra caution especially for novice hikers and climbers.
“When in doubt, talk to a professional if you’re unsure about what equipment you might need the route you are going to be taking and just always be prepared for unfortunately anything that can happen in the backcountry,” said Cpl. Clayton.
YAMNUSKA TRAIL CLOSED AS OF JULY 12
Following the multiple incidents on the popular trail, officials have temporarily closed the area until further notice.
According to Alberta Parks, there is a high risk of rockfall in the area of the trail and some areas should not be attempted if you are not an experienced climber.
“Many people have been lost, seriously injured and even died on the Mount Yamnuska Scramble,” the website reads.
