An experienced hiker from Vancouver has been found dead in the high alpine at Joffre Peak, near Pemberton.
Michael Charles Low spent Friday night at the Keith Flavelle hut near the Cerise Creek headwaters, but planned on returning Saturday afternoon. The trail is a relatively short hike, but it is in “steep and mountainous terrain.”
Friends notified Vancouver Police about his disappearance after he missed Saturday night dinner plans and could not be reached by phone.
Low’s white 2002 GMC Safari van was found in the trailhead parking lot later that night after a missing persons’ report was filed.
Pemberton Search and Rescue mobilized a ground and air search at first light Sunday.
A helicopter flew in a group of searchers to cover ground on the north side of Joffre Peak and searchers were also on foot above the tree line.
Mounties said Low was last seen heading uphill from the cabin at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, and told other hikers he planned on being back by noon. He left a sleeping bag and backpack behind.
Search and rescue crews told CTV Vancouver it appears Low fell into a crevasse north of the cabin. His body has been recovered.
The BC Coroners Service is now working to determine the cause of Low's death.
