UPDATE: Body of missing snowboarder located

Dec 27, 2021 | 3:00 PM

UPDATE: 3:00 p.m.

KELOWNA, B.C. — The search for a missing snowboarder in the Big White area east of Kelowna has come to a tragic end.

Search and Rescue teams, along with Big White Ski Patrol, located the body of the overdue snowboarder Monday morning. The Kelowna man, believed to be 42-years-old, was last seen Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at the Gem Lake chair lift going out for his last run of the day.

RCMP say a recovery effort is underway with assistance from the Penticton and District Search and Rescue’s Helicopter External Transport System.

“The man’s next of kin has been notified and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time,” said RCMP Cpl. Tammy Lobb.

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The Kelowna Regional RCMP is thanking volunteers from Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR), Vernon SAR and Penticton SAR who assisted in the search.

“There will be no further updates as the investigation will be turned over to the BC Coroners Service,” Lobb said.

Snowboarder goes missing on last run of day
Dec 27, 2021 | 9:45 AM

KELOWNA, B.C. — A search for a missing snowboarder is into its second day in freezing weather in the Big White ski resort area east of Kelowna.

At approximately 5:10 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 26, the Kelowna Regional RCMP received a report of an overdue snowboarder at Big White.

A 42-year-old man from Kelowna had been boarding with friends when he was last seen at 1:00 p.m. at the Gem Lake chair lift as he prepared to do his last run of the day.

RCMP Cpl. Tammy Lobb said Kelowna Regional RCMP is working closely with Big White Ski Patrol as well as searchers from Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) and North Shore Rescue.

“A search was conducted last evening but was called off at 12:45 a.m. due to inclement weather and poor visibility,” Lobb explained.

The search is being conducted in the backcountry of Big White where the snowpack is unstable and is subject to considerable and high avalanche risks.

Temperatures plunged to minus 26 Celsius overnight in the Kelowna area.

by Pete McIntyre

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