UPDATE: Police release details on death at SilverStar

A Vernon man died while snowboarding in an area of SilverStar Mountain Resort that was closed at the time.

RCMP say they were notified about a snowboarder being found unconscious in the Putnam Creek area of the mountain around 11:20 a.m. Saturday.

“The initial investigation has determined the man was snowboarding in an area of complex terrain that was closed at the time due to poor conditions,” said Constable Chris Terleski, media relations officer. “The victim, who was alone, fell into a ravine and was later discovered by a skier who noticed the man’s snowboard protruding from the snow.

Terleski said despite the attempt of rescuers, efforts to resuscitate the individual were unsuccessful and he was declared dead at the scene.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased, those who attempted to rescue him, and everyone impacted by this tragedy.”

The deceased has been identified as a Vernon man in his 40’s, and due to privacy, his name will not be released.

The BC Coroners Service was notified of the death and is conducting an investigation to determine the circumstances around the death.

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Original story

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and BC Coroners Service are investigating after a Vernon man died while snowboarding at Silverstar Mountain Resort on Saturday morning.

On Saturday, December 18th, 2021, at approximately 11:20 a.m., the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP were notified that a snowboarder had been found unconscious in the Putnam Creek area of the mountain. The initial investigation has determined the man was snowboarding in an area of complex terrain that was closed at the time due to poor conditions. The victim, who was alone, fell into a ravine and was later discovered by a skier who noticed the man’s snowboard protruding from the snow.

Sadly, despite the attempt of rescuers, efforts to resuscitate the individual were unsuccessful and he was declared deceased at the scene, states Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased, those who attempted to rescue him, and everyone impacted by this tragedy.

The deceased has been identified as a Vernon man in his 40’s, and due to privacy, his name will not be released.

The BC Coroners Service was notified of the death and is now conducting a concurrent fact finding investigation to determine the circumstances of how the person came to their unexpected death.

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One person died at SilverStar Mountain Resort over the weekend.

The sales and marketing director of the resort the death occurred in the Powder Gulch area of the mountain on Saturday.

Ian Jenkins did not specify how the death happened, but says there are no indications of an avalanche having occurred.

Jenkins says the resort and its staff want to offer their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the person who died.

He adds that resort staff would not be making any further comments and directed questions to RCMP.

Vernon Matters has reached out to Vernon RCMP for details.