RCMP confirmed the tragic death of a 25-year-old American man at Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park. The incident, deemed accidental, occurred during recreational activities, according to Staff Sgt. Mike Buxton-Carr, Banff’s RCMP detachment commander. The man disregarded safety barriers, entering the pools multiple times. On his third attempt, he leaped from a height, resurfaced briefly but encountered difficulties, and disappeared beneath the water.
Parks Canada, in a statement to CBC News, announced the reopening of the Johnston Canyon trail to the public after its closure following the incident. Despite an extensive search of the area, including the upper and lower pools at the Lower Falls, the man remains unlocated due to hazardous water conditions. Recovery operations have been halted due to the challenging terrain and strong currents impeding visibility under the water.
RCMP, along with Parks Canada, are actively investigating the incident. RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mathew Howell revealed that the man was part of a group visiting Alberta from Pennsylvania. The man’s family, not present at the park, is in contact with authorities.
Howell emphasized the dangers of venturing into restricted areas, especially near moving water, urging the public to exercise extreme caution. He highlighted the deceptive nature of water currents, particularly during the spring runoff, warning that surface conditions may not reflect the underwater hazards.