A recreational skier who went missing Monday afternoon was tragically found dead early Tuesday morning near a remote section of the Banff National Park backcountry, authorities confirmed.
29-year-old Thomas Renner, a seasoned outdoor enthusiast from Calgary, was reported missing by friends after he failed to return from a solo ski trip in the Parker Ridge area. Rescue teams were immediately deployed, but heavy snowfall and plummeting temperatures hampered search efforts throughout the night.
Renner’s body was discovered just after dawn, buried partially in snow approximately 3 kilometers from his planned route. Preliminary reports suggest he may have veered off-trail before being caught in whiteout conditions and possibly falling into a shallow ravine.
RCMP and Parks Canada officials believe exposure to extreme cold overnight was the primary cause of death. No signs of an avalanche were found in the area.
“This is a heartbreaking outcome,” said Parks Canada spokesperson Emily Dawson. “Thomas was well-equipped and experienced, but nature can be unforgiving. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Renner’s tragic death has reignited calls for enhanced safety measures, including GPS beacon requirements and better signage in off-piste zones.
This incident marks the third skier fatality in Alberta’s backcountry this winter.
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