Calgary

Ralph Greenaway, missing hiker near Banff, was possibly BASE jumping

A hiker missing in the backcountry near the mountain resort town of Banff may have been BASE jumping, say RCMP.

Vehicle located near Mount Rundle, but no sign of hiker despite search

Ralph Greenaway has been missing since last week when he went on a day hike to the Mount Rundle area. (RCMP)

A hiker missing in the backcountry near the mountain resort town of Banff may have been BASE jumping, say RCMP.

Ralph Greenaway, 40, told friends he was going to Mount Rundle for a day hike last week. Police received a call on Sept. 2 when he failed to return, and a ground and air search were initiated.

"It's definitely a possibility he hiked up the mountain and did a BASE jump. But we're still looking at all avenues. His vehicle was found near the mountain as well. So its definitely believed he he did go up the mountain," said RCMP Sgt. Stan Andronyk.

Greenaway is described as being an avid outdoor enthusiast. He is described being roughly six feet tall and 85 kilograms in weight.

Anyone with information in the search is being asked to contact the Banff RCMP at 403-763-6600.

BASE jumping usually involves a leap off fixed objects with a parachute. BASE is an acronym which stands for four types of objects from which jumpers can make the leap – a building, antenna, span, or Earth, such as a cliff.

Google Maps: Mount Rundle near Banff, Alta.