LAKE LOUISE – An 84-year-old man who spent the night in the wilds of Yoho National Park last week was found safe and sound thanks to a major search and rescue effort involving multiple agencies.
Parks Canada officials say the elderly man was reported missing at Emerald Lake on July 16 after he became separated from his family between the lakeshore and the parking lot on a day of sweltering hot conditions.
“Golden RCMP and Parks Canada visitor safety responded and searched unsuccessfully overnight,” said Amy Krause, a spokesperson for Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay field unit in an email statement.
The search continued at first light the next day on July 17 by a large team led by Parks Canada rescuers and supported by Golden Search and Rescue.
Krause said the missing visitor was located alive at approximately 2:30 pm on July 17 on the trail to Burgess Pass, several kilometres away.
She said he was found by Secwépemc Guardians from the Adams Lake Band, who work with Parks Canada through the Indigenous Guardian program and were participating in the search.
Parks Canada rescuers provided first aid with support from a paramedic with Alberta EMS, she said, and the patient was flown by helicopter to Lake and taken by ground ambulance to hospital.
“The visitor is expected to make a full recovery,” Krause said.
Parks Canada sent heartfelt appreciation to all those involved in the search and rescue.
“Parks Canada thanks Golden Search and Rescue, Golden RCMP, BC Ambulance, Alberta EMS, STARS Air Ambulance, the Lake Louise Fire Department, Emerald Lake Lodge, the skilled pilot, and all supporting local businesses and agencies for their assistance,” Krause said.
