70-yr-old California man dies in skiing mishap
By Castlegar Source
A 70-year-old California man has died after a heliskiing mishap yesterday, according to RCMP Staff Sgt. Dan Seibel.
“At 1:48 p.m., the Great Northern Cat Skiing company contacted the Nakusp RCMP reporting a fatal incident where a skier had fallen into a tree well,” Seibel said, explaining tree wells inthe higher elevations can be three or four feet high, and quite dangerous.
He said the man was dug out by guides and fellow skiers, who then performed CPR, but to no avail.
The RCAF Cormorant helicopter, seen flying over Nelson Wednesday, was dispatched from its base at 19 Wing Comox to assist search and rescue officials.
“Despite their efforts the subject passed away at the scene,” he said.
“The deceased was part of a tour group of approximately 10 skiers with Great Northern Cat Skiing Company skiing on Ferguson Mountain, north of Trout Lake, B.C.”
The name of the deceased is not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin, but Seibel confirmed the man is from Emeryville, California.
“The B.C. Coroner’s Office and the RCMP are continuing their investigation. There appears to be nothing suspicious in this case,” he said.
“Police Victim’s Assistance has been offered to the other skiers involved as well as the employees and guides from the Cat Ski Company.”
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