Climbing
An experienced hiker and former Amazing Race Canada contestant has died after falling more than 800-feet from the peak of a popular mountain near Slocan, BC.
The body of Kenneth McAlpine was recovered from Mount Gimli, at the edge of Valhalla Provincial Park, late Tuesday. It’s believed the 28-year-old stumbled on the last section of the trail approaching the main peak, where the path becomes a narrow, ledgy scramble, where hikers have to clamber up on their hands and knees, according to The World News.
“We figure it’s that section that he lost his footing on,” said Mike Hudson, president of South Columbia Search and Rescue.
Hudson added that McAlpine fell 251 meters, equal to nearly 60 floors. McAlpine had begun his hike on Monday, his 28th birthday, and friends phoned RCMP when he didn’t show up for a planned bike ride. Mounties began looking for McAlpine, and search and rescue crews were called in around 6:30 am PT on Tuesday. Searchers found his body hours later, but couldn’t reach him on foot due to dangerous terrain. A helicopter completed the recovery later in the day.
Officers are looking to speak with other hikers who were in the area of the peak around the time he may have fallen. The BC Coroners Service is also investigating.
We are heartbroken over the loss of Season 5 racer Kenneth McAlpine. Part of TEAM GIVE’R, Kenneth’s infectious personality left a lasting impression not only on us, but with viewers across the country. His family & friends are in our thoughts & hearts during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/MaqrrUlAxF
— The Amazing Race Canada on CTV (@AmazingRaceCDA) August 28, 2019
Hudson said McAlpine was experienced but had never been to that particular part of Mount Gimli before. He wasn’t using climbing gear, but Hudson said one generally wouldn’t on that route.
McAlpine, who lived in Rossland, BC, was a contestant on the fifth season of the Amazing Race Canada. He and his race partner, best friend Ryan Lachappelle, were runners-up in the 2017 race.
