Coroners investigation underway after body found near Mt. Fernie

Police in the Elk Valley say they have recovered the body of a 62-year old Fernie resident.

On June 7 around 3:45 p.m., police were asked to check the well-being of a local paraglider who had become separated from his friend during the day.

Elk Valley RCMP feared an accident had happened as the person’s GPS had indicated no movement for over two hours.

Fernie Search and Rescue was able to locate what they believe to be the missing paraglider’s remains in steep terrain near Mt Fernie, a BC Coroners Service investigation is underway.

Find more information from Elk Valley RCMP below:

On June 7 2023 at 3:43 PM, Elk Valley Regional RCMP received a check well being request from a fellow local paragliding enthusiast who was concerned about a friend who he had not heard from for several hours after going paragliding with him and another friend during the day. GPS being carried by the missing friend indicated there was no movement at their friend’s location for over two hours, so there was a fear an accident had occurred. Fernie Search and Rescue were activated along with assistance rendered by the Island Lake Lodge First aid team. They located what were believed to be the remains of the paraglider in steep terrain near Mt. Fernie using the last known GPS coordinates. The body of the deceased, a 62 year Fernie resident, was shortly thereafter recovered by Fernie SAR with helicopter assistance under the authority of the BC Coroner’s Service.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of deceased during this difficult time. Elk Valley RCMP continue to support the BC Coroner Service during their investigation.