RCMP are urging safety after a recent increase in rescue operations in Banff National Park, including the death of a person visiting from the United States.
On May 1 at about 6:40 p.m., police say they received a call saying someone had jumped into the rapids about 40 feet below Johnston Canyon and “never resurfaced.”
A search was launched for the man who was visiting from Pennsylvania, with RCMP leading the investigation and Parks Canada also involved.
On Saturday, both the upper and lower pools at the Lower Falls were searched by Parks Canada visitor safety specialists, law enforcement and partner agencies, but the man was not located.
“Due to dangerous water conditions, all available all available search options have been exhausted at this time, and recovery operations have been suspended,” a spokesperson for Parks Canada said in an email. “Conditions will continue to be monitored should it become safe to reassess.”
The agency went on to say it wouldn’t provide further information on the incident at this time out of respect for the man and his family.