Fatality at Fernie Ski Hill prompts investigation
By Castlegar Source
The RCMP and the BC Coroners Service are investigating the sudden death of a skier, discovered in medical distress late Friday afternoon outside of Fernie B.C.
On January 17, 2020 just after 4:30 p.m., Elk Valley RCMP received a report of a skier discovered unresponsive in the snow amongst trees located on the Fernie Ski Hill. Initial reports indicate that the victim had been skiing with another person, when the two became separated. That person re-traced his run in search of his associate and made the discovery.
He immediately called for support from the Fernie Alpine Resort’s ski patrol, who responded to the scene, states Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesperson for the RCMP Southeast District. The patient was transported off the mountain by ski patrollers, and to a local hospital by BC Emergency Health Services. Sadly, despite the efforts of all involved, the skier was later pronounced deceased in hospital.
The deceased has been identified as a Fernie man in his 30’s, originally from Quebec.
The BC Coroners Service was notified of the man’s death and is now investigating. Due to the privacy of the deceased, his name will not be released. The RCMP and the BC Coroners Service have no further information for release.
