Avalanche in Banff National Park; 3 climbers presumed dead
Posted April 18, 2019 1:53 pm.
Last Updated April 18, 2019 5:22 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Outdoor apparel company The North Face says three members of its Global Athlete Team are presumed dead after an avalanche in Banff National Park.
The company says renowned American alpinist Jess Roskelley and Austrian climbers David Lama and Hansjörg Auer are missing.
Parks Canada says the trio were reported overdue Wednesday and specialists immediately responded by air and observed signs of multiple avalanches and debris containing climbing equipment.
They say the three men were attempting to climb the east face of Howse Peak on the Icefields Parkway when they went missing.
“They are valued and loved members of The North Face family,” The North Face said in a statement to 660 NEWS. “We are doing everything we can to support their families, friends and the climbing community during this difficult time. We ask that you keep our athletes and their loved ones in your hearts and thoughts.”
Based on the assessment of the scene, all three members of the party are presumed to be deceased.
Parks Canada is continuing to investigate but recovery efforts are not possible due to additional avalanches and dangerous conditions at the scene.
Further updates will be provided as more details become available.
With files from the Canadian Press
