Family members of Sgt. Mark Salesse are holding hope for the safe return of the soldier swept away by a Thursday evening avalanche in Banff National Park despite the fact Parks Canada has declared the search a recovery mission.
On Saturday, improved conditions near the Polar Circus ice climbing route allowed Parks Canada visitor safety specialists to detonate explosives to create a safe work area for a potential Sunday ground search.
Sunday’s planned ground search was stalled as avalanche conditions remained high.
Parks Canada officials conducted additional avalanche control on Sunday in the hopes a ground search can commence on Monday.
Sgt. Salesse’s mother, Liz Quinn, continues to wait next to the phone at her Moncton, New Brunswick home after Canadian military officials arrived at her doorstep notifying her of her son’s disappearance.
“I was aware Mark was doing military exercises and he had text me the day before to tell me that the weather had been good, he was okay and having a great time,” said Liz.
According to his mother, Sgt. Salesse loved his job, his friends and the outdoors.
“He said ‘I can’t believe they’re paying me to do this’,” recalls Liz. “He loved what he did and he loved the people he worked with. They were his brothers.”
Despite the fact Sgt. Salesse has been missing for a number of days, his mother holds on to the hope he managed to find shelter from the elements.
“We’re hoping he was able to secure a little spot and wait for rescue to get to him,” said Liz. “I’m hoping he comes out of there and wonders what all the fuss is that we’re making.”
“Mark will not give up. Neither can we.”
