UPDATE: RCMP confirms second heli-skier dies in avalanche south of Nelson
By Nelson Daily Staff
RCMP in Nelson have confirmed that a second skier died as result of injuries sustained after being buried while heli-skiing in the Bonnington Range avalanche early Wednesday morning.
Earlier Wednesday, RCMP reported that one man had succumbed to injuries in the Class 3.5 our of a scale of 1 to 5 avalanche.
BC RCMP Communications Services Senior Media Relations Officer, Cpl Dan Moskaluk has now confirmed that an adult woman also died as result of injuries after being was buried in the same slide.
RCMP confirm avalanche south of Nelson claims one heli-skier
The Nelson Rural area RCMP confirm a fatal avalanche incident occurred south of Nelson Wednesday morning, involving a group of heli-skiers.
At around 10 a.m. Wednesday (March 21), the Nelson Rural area RCMP were notified of the avalanche that involved a group of commercially guided heli-skiers, skiing in the Bonnington Mountain range near Blewett.
The RCMP immediately activated Nelson SAR however SAR was stood down shortly after, as the Heli Ski operator had activated it’s emergency protocol with assets in position to immediately respond, rescue and remove the group.
“At this time we can confirm that the guide and one of the skier’s were able to self rescue themselves suffering only minor injuries and were able to dig out the remaining parties,” BC RCMP Communications Services Senior Media Relations Officer, Cpl Dan Moskaluk said.
“One adult male skier has been confirmed as deceased.”
“Another skier was also recovered unresponsive and found suffering from life threatening injuries,” Cpl Moskaluk added. “Others in the group suffered non life threatening injuries.
“All have been transported to medical area facilities. We are currently confirming the size of the group as being comprised of three to four clients plus on guide.”
Moskaluk said there was no further information is available at this time.
The Nelson Rural RCMP is continuing their investigation of the incident along with the BC Coroners Service.
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