Snowmobiler dead following collapse of snow ledge near Whistler

WHISTLER, B.C. – A snowmobiler has died after a snow ledge fell from under him near Whistler, B.C.

RCMP say a 52-year-old man from Nanaimo was driving a snowmobile in the area of Mount Callaghan near Callaghan Lake Provincial Park on Saturday.

Officers were notified that the snowmobiler had fallen when he stopped on a cornice, or a snow ledge, which collapsed, sweeping him down a slope.

The man fell roughly 75 metres and was partially buried in snow, and police say other snowmobilers in the area dug him out and began CPR until rescuers arrived.

Police say despite the effort, the man was pronounced dead at the scene and the coroner's service is now investigating.

Mounties are warning people heading into the backcountry to be cautious around cornices by keeping a safe distance from the edges of cliffs and also be wary of the risk for avalanches.