Five Dead Snowmobilers Identified, All from Alberta

Five men have been identified after losing their lives in an avalanche near McBride, B.C.

The five Alberta men were snowmobiling Friday afternoon in the Renshaw Recreational area just east of McBride when the slide struck.

The BC Coroners Service has confirmed that Vincent Loewen, 52, Tony Greenwood, 41, Ricky Robinson, 55, Todd Chisholm, 47 and John Garley, 49, were killed in the avalanche that struck January 29th around 1:30 p.m.

The men were among 17 people, split up into four separate groups, snowmobiling in the Renshaw area Friday. An off duty Search and Rescue technician who was among one of the groups was first to arrive on scene as the affected snowmobilers were conducting a self-rescue.

RCMP said all 17 people who were out in the area were either buried to some degree or were caught in the path of the avalanche. The groups involved were described as experienced snowmobilers and were carrying the essential emergency equipment.

At least one other person was injured with a dislocated knee as a result of the incident. In total, 10 people, plus the remains of the deceased were flown out at the time of the rescue effort.

RCMP have confirmed all the snowmobilers affected were accounted for by the time the search and rescue concluded.

“The McBride RCMP offers our condolences to the families affected by this incident,” said McBride RCMP Constable Jay Grierson.

This is the sixth avalanche fatality in a week. Saturday, January 23rd, a snowmobiler died near Prince George after getting caught in a slide in the Torpy Mountain area.

“As we enter into the peak of the backcountry recreational season, the RCMP would like to remind all enthusiasts to take all precautions possible when they are out in B.C.’s backcountry areas,” said Cpl Dan Moskaluk.

“Please consult with the Canadian Avalanche Center website for current conditions, training and awareness information.”