Parks Canada crews are working to recover the body of a Lethbridge city councillor killed in an avalanche near Rowe Peak in Waterton Lakes National Park on the weekend.
Wade Galloway, 37, a Lethbridge city council member, was snowboarding with a friend when the fatal slide happened at about 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Galloway's friend was not buried in the avalanche and was able to partially extricate the victim but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
Galloway was married with two children and was elected to council last October.
Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman says he can't believe the news.
"This is a tragedy for the Galloway family and for the city. Wade was a husband, a father, a son and a brother. His family is devastated and are struggling to deal with a terrible loss," said Spearman.
Galloway was an avid skier and active outdoorsman with 20 years' experience in the backcountry.
He was involved in raising awareness and funds for avalanche education.
Galloway also had a passion for skateboarding and was instrumental in getting a skate park built in the city.
He was also a businessman and purchased two pizza shops when he moved to Lethbridge in 2006.
Parks Canada says current wind and snow conditions are hampering efforts to get to the body but that all the resources are in place to resume the recovery when the weather improves.
Motorists are being advised that the Akamina Parkway is open but may be closed on short notice to facilitate recovery efforts.
