1 person dead after drowning in Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park

A 54-year-old man is dead after drowning at Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park on Friday.

A Parks Canada spokesperson told Global News that visitor safety crews responded to a report of a person falling into the water at the base of Takakkaw Falls at around 1:30 p.m. on Friday.

According to RCMP, the initial emergency call was sent by satellite phone and indicated the man had “slipped and fell into the water at the head of Takakkaw Falls near Field, B.C. and had not yet emerged.”

Visitor safety specialists and Alpine Helicopters performed an aerial search of the area. Parks Canada staff, Golden RCMP, Golden Fire Department and Field Fire and Rescue searched the river. Paramedics from Field EMS were also at the scene.

Despite challenging conditions, Parks Canada said visitor safety crews located a body at the bottom of Takakkaw Falls on Friday evening. RCMP officials confirmed the body was recovered on Saturday around noon.

“Visitor safety is of the utmost importance for Parks Canada and reminds visitors to use caution when walking beside moving water, which can be deceivingly powerful even in shallow areas,” the email read.

“The ground beside the water may be soft, undercut and could give way. Rocks can be very slippery. Stay on designated pathways when possible.”

RCMP say the victim, who has not been named, had been on holiday with his family at the time of the fall and victim services is supporting his loved ones.