Industry News
According to an RCMP press release, a 68-year-old man who went missing at Sun Peaks Resort, British Columbia, on December 10 has been located and is sadly deceased.
Thomasz Jaholkowski was last seen boarding the West Bowl Express chairlift at approximately 11:35 a.m. on Tuesday. This new lift opened this season and provides access to expanded terrain at the edge of the resort’s boundaries.
On December 12, the Tk’emlúps Rural RCMP Detachment requested the public’s assistance in locating the skier. He was later discovered deceased near an area of the ski resort. No criminality is suspected in his death. The BC Coroners Service has been notified and is also investigating.
The search for Jaholkowski involved Tk’emlúps Rural RCMP Detachment, Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR), Sun Peaks Ski Patrol, and Aerial support from helicopters and drones.
“Mr. Jaholkowski does not appear to have returned to his hotel room, nor has he been heard from since checking into the run on Tuesday. We are very concerned for his well-being and are asking anyone who may have seen him or has information on his potential whereabouts, to please contact police as soon as possible.”
– Corporal Crystal Evelyn, Kamloops RCMP spokesperson
Sun Peaks spokesperson Christina Antoniak confirmed with CBC News that the incident marked the third person to go missing from the area this year. However, the previous two were quickly found outside the resort’s boundaries. Antoniak confirmed that the resort is reviewing its safety measures and public messaging, particularly in light of the new West Bowl Express chairlift.
Another search effort began late Friday afternoon after their friends reported a group of skiers and snowboarders missing from Sun Peaks. The search continued through the evening and into the early morning hours before the individuals were successfully located early Saturday morning (December 14). Visitors are strongly urged to stay within the marked boundaries for their safety.
In light of the recent search and rescue efforts, Sun Peaks Resort is keen to emphasize the individuals chose to ignore the roped and signed ski area boundary and wants to reinforce the importance of never leaving the ski area boundary.
