Parks Canada crews have recovered the body of a climber who was swept off the Polar Circus Ice Climbing route in Banff National Park by an avalanche last week.
Sergeant Mark Salesse, 44, was training with his team in Banff National Park last Thursday when the weather took a turn for the worse and an avalanche hit.
Salesse was based at CFB Winnipeg and was an experienced SAR Technician.
Parks Canada says he was not wearing an avalanche transceiver at the time of the slide and it is believed he fell about 60 metres to a lower shelf and was covered by the snow.
Bad weather and dangerous avalanche conditions prevented crews from reaching the site by ground on the weekend but searchers were finally able to get in and reach the route on Monday.
On Tuesday, four ground crews and two dog teams searched the site for several hours and were able to eliminate large portions of the search zones but did not find Salesse.
Late Wednesday, RCMP announced that Salesse's body was located and recovered by Parks Canada Visitor Safety Personnel at about 1:30 p.m.
HIs family has been notified and RCMP in Lake Louise and the Calgary Medical Examiner's Office are investigating.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper released a statement on Wednesday evening saying...
"I was deeply saddened today to receive confirmation of the tragic death of Sergeant Mark Salesse, following an avalanche which occurred during a Search and Rescue training exercise in Banff National Park.
"On behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Sergeant Salesse’s family, friends and colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this most difficult time.
"The Canadian Armed Forces' search and rescue technicians are some of the best trained in the world, providing on-the-scene medical aid and evacuation in some of the most hostile environments.
"This accident is a stark reminder of the very real dangers that our brave men and women in uniform face daily to defend our country and keep Canadians safe.
"Sergeant Salesse’s service and dedication to Canada will be remembered and honoured."
