Police advise caution after local man dies and woman injured
By Castlegar Source
Salmo RCMP Cpl. R. Bellman is issuing an advisory to winter enthusiasts after the death of a 27-year-old local man.
“On Feb. 23 at 1 p.m., the Salmo RCMP and Search and Rescue were dispatched to the top of the Kootenay pass as four skiers were skiing in the Lightening Strike Ski area and two of the skiers got caught in an avalanche. A 27-year-old female and a 27-year-old male suffered severe injuries as a result of being caught in the avalanche.
“Sadly, the … male passed away while on scene at the avalanche. A rescue operation was conducted with the use of a helicopter and many Search and Rescue personnel. The 27-year-old female was removed from the scene and transported to the Trail Regional Hospital with serious injuries. All four skiers are from the Nelson area.”
“Search and Rescue was able to make the area safe for a team to enter and recover the body of the… male. A helicopter had also been used to assist Search and Rescue in the recovery. The … male was transported to Trail hospital, where the coroner is investigating.
“The … female is still in hospital.
“As the avalanche risk is very high in this area, police are advising to stay out of the back country.”
