Body of deceased snowboarder Wade Galloway recovered

Ground team returns via helicopter
Photos courtesy Parks Canada

Parks Canada press release

At approximately 1500 hrs Sunday afternoon, February 23, Parks Canada teams were able to safely recover the body of snowboarder Wade Galloway of Lethbridge who was killed in an avalanche last Saturday, February 15.

Ground team starting out

Until February 23, efforts to recover the deceased’s body were hampered by poor weather and dangerous avalanche conditions. The weather improved enough to complete the avalanche control of the slopes above the accident site.

Once the site was deemed safe for crews to enter the accident site, a dog and his handler and other team members were able to locate the victim’s body. The deceased was recovered within approximately one hour, and removed to a staging area by helicopter, and transferred to the Medical Examiner.

Mount Rowe and ground team (circled)

The avalanche occurred on Rowe Mountain in Waterton Lakes National Park.

The other member of this backcountry party was not buried by the avalanche, and was able to locate and partially extricate his partner. Attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful.

Related story:

Lethbridge Councillor Wade Galloway killed in Waterton avalanche