RCMP located the bodies of two missing men who were hiking in the Rocky Mountains.
Crowsnest Pass RCMP say they were advised Wednesday at 10 p.m. that two men were overdue from a hike along North York Creek Plane Crash Trail, located outside Coleman, Alta.
RCMP, along with Search and Rescue (SAR), assisted with a ground and air search.
SAR said Thursday at 7 p.m. they found both hikers dead at the bottom of a ridge at Mount Coulthard. Long Line Helicopter from Fernie, B.C., flew in and recovered the bodies of Jonah Swen and Greg Gaudette.
“This is considered a horrible tragedy and accident, there is nothing suspicious at this time,” Cpl. Gina Slaney said.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Alberta Health Services EMS shared a close connection to the loss.
“We share our deepest condolences to the families of those involved in this tragic incident.
“AHS EMS employee Jonah Swen was an AHS Advanced Care Paramedic and ED Nurse and a dedicated member of the AHS Emergency Services family. In his honour, flags will be lowered at all AHS EMS stations.
“With the permission of the family, we have shared this unfortunate news with EMS staff and are offering peer and mental health supports to ensure our staff are supported in this difficult time.”
Police said in a statement Friday that they would like to thank the volunteers and family who assisted in the search.
Alberta Conservation, Alberta Forestry, Alberta Parks, Southern Alberta Regional Search and Rescue, Lethbridge Search and Rescue, BC Search and Rescue and Ascent Helicopters were also involved in the search and recovery.