A 36-year-old Calgary man has died after being swept up in an avalanche in Banff National Park on March 16, RCMP said.
Global News has confirmed the identity of the man as Jesse de Champlain. In an obituary posted online, his family said he will be remembered for his caring heart and generous spirit.
“With great sadness, we say goodbye to Jesse, a loving partner, son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend,” it read.
People were also asked to dress casually instead of formally to celebrate de Champlain’s “way of life.”
De Champlain and another man were skiing in the backcountry near Egypt Lake on Saturday, March 16, according to Const. Mike Hibbs.
Parks Canada said one man was able to free himself, while the other was injured and unable to move.
RCMP said the first man freed the other and went to the Egypt Lake Shelter for help. There, he found other backcountry users who alerted Parks Canada staff, according to RCMP.
Parks Canada responded at around 7 p.m.
The agency said the injured man was taken to Banff Mineral Springs Hospital where he later died.
Parks Canada advised outdoor lovers to consult warnings on their site and Avalanche Canada’s before venturing out.