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An avalanche killed three heli-skiers in British Columbia on Monday, according to a statement from the Kaslo Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The incident occurred just before 1 p.m., at an alpine area on the east side of Kootenay Lake in the British Columbia backcountry, as the CBC reports. The group was on a tour with Kaslo-based Stellar Heli Skiing.
“A transport helicopter was nearing the group when the pilot observed an avalanche and sounded the siren,” explained officials. “One group of skiers was able to run out of harm’s way, while the other group of four was swept away into the tree line.”
Rescue efforts uncovered three men from the second group who died as a result of the slide. Since the incident, it has been revealed that the trio of deceased were not only veteran snowboarders, but prominent industry figures. The North Face posted on Instagram that one of the deceased was the company’s Global Sports Marketing Manager Alex Pashley. A post from Mt. Seymour revealed the second was pro snowboarder and co-founder of the brand Dinosaurs Will Die, Jeff Keenan. The Vancouver Sun reported the third was professional ski guide and owner of Stellar Heli Skiing Jason Remple.
The fourth skier, an unnamed 40-year-old from Nelson, British Columbia, survived, but was critically injured.
“The entire team at Stellar Heli Skiing extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy,” wrote Stellar Heli Skiing in a statement. “Our thoughts remain with them during this incredibly difficult time.”
