Searchers recovered the body of a man Monday from the river at Elbow Falls, the day after he slipped into the frigid water.
RCMP divers, with the assistance of a search and rescue helicopter, were able to locate the body about 500 meters downstream from the falls, said deputy fire chief Rob Evans of Redwood Meadows Emergency Services.
The strong river current quickly swept the divers to the body, Evans said.
“Within about two minutes of them entering the water, they were able to find him,” he said.
Get daily National news
The 21-year-old Calgary man had been walking along the popular pathway west of Bragg Creek with two friends around 3 p.m. Sunday. Evans said the man apparently began walking across an ice bridge that spanned the river. The ice broke, and the man fell into the water.
Rescue crews were called to the scene, but the search was called off late Sunday.
On Monday, the man’s distraught family waited at the staging area as the search resumed.
“They were very upset, but also very respectful of the work we had to do,” said Evans.
When the body was recovered, the family was allowed some time to say goodbye, he added.
The ice and river are dangerous this time of year and people are urged to keep their distance.
“We don’t want people anywhere near the river right now. The ice is very unforgiving,” Evans said.
“Any ice that’s out there is really weak and can be really deceiving about what’s underneath it.”
jkomarnicki@calgaryherald.com
Comments