Two Hikers Found Dead Crowsnest Pass: What Happened to the Hikers?
by Rajesh | Updated Jul 29, 2023
Two Hikers Found Dead Crowsnest Pass
Two hikers were found dead in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, in a tragic incident that has left the community in mourning. The men, aged 34 and 35, were discovered at the bottom of a ridge at Mount Coulthard, approximately 12 kilometers southwest of Coleman. They had embarked on a hike along the North York Creek Plane Crash Trail the day before their bodies were located.
Among the victims was Greg Gaudette, a valued member of Lethbridge's fire and EMS team, who will be honored with lowered flags at City Hall and fire stations. The second hiker, Jonah Swen, an advanced care paramedic and emergency department nurse from Calgary, was also part of the AHS Emergency Services family, and all AHS EMS stations will pay their respects with lowered flags.
What Happened to the Hikers?
The two hikers, aged 34 and 35, tragically lost their lives during their excursion in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. They were reported missing when they failed to return from their hike along the North York Creek Plane Crash Trail, located outside Coleman. In response to the distress call, a comprehensive search and rescue operation was launched involving multiple teams, including the RCMP and various other agencies.
After an intense effort, the bodies of the hikers were discovered at the bottom of a ridge at Mount Coulthard, approximately 12 kilometers southwest of Coleman. The exact circumstances surrounding their deaths have not been disclosed in the available information, but authorities have stated that the incident is considered a terrible accident, and there are no indications of any suspicious activities.
The loss of these two hikers has deeply impacted their families, the communities they were part of, and the broader public, prompting an outpouring of condolences and support during this difficult time.
Who were the Hikers?
The two hikers who tragically lost their lives in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, were identified as men aged 34 and 35. One of the hikers was Greg Gaudette, a dedicated member of the fire and EMS team in Lethbridge. He was highly regarded by his colleagues and community, and in his honor, flags were lowered at Lethbridge's City Hall and fire stations.
The second hiker was Jonah Swen, who was from Calgary and had an esteemed background as an advanced care paramedic and emergency department nurse, affiliated with AHS Emergency Services. Both men were experienced outdoor enthusiasts, venturing into the breathtaking Rocky Mountains to hike along the North York Creek Plane Crash Trail near Coleman.
Their untimely deaths have left a profound impact on their families, friends, and the communities they served, with tributes pouring in to honor their dedication, compassion, and contributions. The loss of these two remarkable individuals has deeply saddened all who knew them, and their memory will be cherished by many.
Rescue Operation
The rescue operation launched to locate the missing hikers in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, was a massive and coordinated effort involving multiple agencies and search teams. After being informed that the two hikers had not returned as planned from their hike along the North York Creek Plane Crash Trail, authorities, including the RCMP and Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, swiftly mobilized on the evening of the report.
The search efforts extended both on the ground and in the air, with volunteers, law enforcement, and specialized personnel combing the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains. Despite the challenging conditions, the teams remained determined, working tirelessly to find the hikers and bring them to safety.
Tragically, their bodies were located the following evening at the bottom of a ridge at Mount Coulthard. The use of a long-line helicopter from Fernie, B.C., facilitated the recovery process. While the outcome was heart-wrenching, the dedication and commitment of all those involved in the rescue operation demonstrated the unwavering efforts to locate the missing hikers and bring closure to their families and loved ones.
Two Hikers Found Dead Crowsnest Pass - FAQs
They were found dead at the bottom of a ridge at Mount Coulthard after going missing during a hike.
They were aged 34 and 35.
One was from Lethbridge, Alberta, and the other was from Calgary, Alberta.
They were hiking along the North York Creek Plane Crash Trail.
The incident occurred on July 28, 2023.