Tourist drowns after falling into Robson River in Mt. Robson Provincial Park
Man, 53, fell in same location as another tourist who drowned in June
RCMP say a tourist visiting Mt. Robson Provincial Park has died after slipping and falling into the Robson River in Mt. Robson Provincial Park near the B.C.-Alberta border just outside of Jasper National Park.
The man, 53, fell into the fast-moving river along the lower section of the Berg Lake Trail. He had been walking along the route with two companions, but they could not reach him.
Despite the efforts of multiple first responders — including RCMP from the nearby town of Valemount, Robson Valley Search and Rescue, BC Parks, Parks Canada, and B.C. Ambulance — the man drowned.
He was located 800 metres downstream from where he fell in. His body was recovered by a swift water rescue team led by Parks Canada.
The man was a tourist from China. The RCMP say neither it nor the B.C. Coroners Service will be releasing further details about the identity of the man.
Police say the area is the same place where a German tourist fell and drowned in June. The area fronts a popular campsite.
Valemount RCMP Cpl. Jacob Joslin said people should be extra vigilant when hiking near water.
"The water moves extremely fast in this area of the river and tragedy, such as this, can happen in seconds," Joslin said in a statement.
BC Parks warns visitors that slippery rocks, uneven trails, and fast rivers can be dangerous.
Berg Lake Trail is about 40 kilometres north of Valemount, B.C.