Teenager from Ontario falls to his death on B.C. hike
A 17-year-old from Ontario fell to his death while hiking in North Vancouver over the weekend.
Authorities said the teenager was out with three friends in Lynn Canyon Park on Sunday afternoon when he fell approximately 50 metres down a cliff.
Asst. Chief Dwayne Derban from District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue told CTV News the teenager had ventured off a marked trail and crossed a fence – without his friends – when the tragedy occurred.
"They encouraged him to come back," Derban said. "He just got a little too far, just a little too close to the edge of the cliff – and although he was hanging onto a tree, he just slipped at the wrong time and went over."
The teenager was supposed to start his first semester at the University of British Columbia next month, according to authorities.
All four of the teenagers are from Windsor, Ont. Derban said the other three were accepted to different universities outside of B.C., but had come to Vancouver to help their friend "get settled and see him off."
"On behalf of the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue, we'd just like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of this individual," Derban added.
The assistant chief said he hopes the incident will serve as a warning to others to follow the park's rules and stick to the trails.
Dozens of people have died at Lynn Canyon since 1990 – including earlier this summer, when a young man was killed in a cliff-diving accident.
Derban said Sunday's incident struck close to home for him, as his family recently marked the 80th anniversary of his uncle dying in a similar fall in the park. He was 16 years old.
"I do know, personally, the impact that a tragedy like this has on a family," he said. "Sometimes it lasts for generations."
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Spencer Harwood
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air Canada travellers share worries and frustrations ahead of possible pilot strike
Here's what customers had to say about their travel plans ahead of a potential Air Canada pilot strike.
Trudeau says Ukraine can strike deep into Russia with NATO arms, Putin hints at war
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Ukraine should be allowed to strike deep inside Russia, regardless of Moscow threatening that this would draw Canada and its allies into direct war.
Driver charged with killing NHL's Johnny Gaudreau and his brother had .087 blood-alcohol level
The driver charged with killing NHL hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew as they bicycled on a rural road had a blood-alcohol level of .087, above the .08 legal limit in New Jersey, a prosecutor said Friday.
23-year-old Muskoka, Ont., resident highlights the need for rural health care after stroke
The experience of 23-year-old Muskoka, Ont., resident Robyn Penniall, who recently had a stroke, comes as concerns are being raised about the future of health care in her community.
2 suspects charged after Lamborghini stolen in armed home invasion in Richmond Hill: police
York Regional Police say they have arrested two suspects and are looking for at least one more following an armed home invasion in Richmond Hill that saw thieves escape in the victim’s Lamborghini.
Stuck-in-space astronauts make first public comments since Boeing capsule left without them
Stuck-in-space astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams said Friday they appreciated all the prayers and well wishes from strangers back home.
Former NHL enforcer Stephen Peat dies after being hit by car in B.C.
Stephen Peat, the former Washington Capitals enforcer who fought concussion issues and was homeless at times after leaving hockey, has died from injuries sustained late last month when he was struck by a car while crossing a street. He was 44.
Ontario's top court dismisses application for bail from Jacob Hoggard
Jacob Hoggard will remain behind bars while he tries to appeal his sexual assault conviction at Canada's top court, a justice with Ontario's Appeal Court ruled Friday, calling the musician's attempt unlikely to succeed.
A cat named Drifter is safe after sneaking out and getting trapped in a sewer for nearly 8 weeks
A cat aptly named Drifter is safe at home after sneaking outside and getting trapped in a sewer for nearly eight weeks.