The search for a hiker from Toronto who went missing after a swim in Golden Ears Provincial Park ended tragically Tuesday morning when crews recovered his body from the water.
Police officers and volunteers with Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue had been looking for the man, a 21-year-old from Toronto, since about 8 p.m. Monday night.
He was swept away by the current in Gold Creek, and a second man, also 21 and from Abbotsford, jumped in to try and save him. Both men were carried over the waterfalls.
The man from Abbotsford was found downstream and transported to hospital. Police described his injuries as non-life threatening.
The man from Toronto, meanwhile, was not found until about 10 a.m. Tuesday. His body was recovered from a pool of water.
“No one expects this sad of an outcome when you are visiting our local parks and our sincerest condolences are offered to the Toronto man’s family and friends,” said staff Sgt. Parm Prihar.
The men were near the Lower Falls, and Rick Laing with Ridge Meadows SAR says his crews are called to a rescue in that area once or twice every year. He said there are signs posted warning people to stay away from the falls and the picturesque pools because of the risk.
“Always be careful around moving water,” Laing said. “The water in B.C. can be very cold, very swift and very unforgiving.”
Ken Almond, a hiker who frequents the area, said the pools do look beautiful and tempting. But year after year, he hears of people going over the falls.
"I'm a really good swimmer and I wouldn't go in the pools,” he said. “Even when I bring my dog up here, the dog knows not to go near it. just natural instinct."
