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Missing Surrey snowshoer caught in avalanche found dead on Vancouver mountain

North Shore Rescue resumed its search today after efforts were temporarily halted Tuesday due to snowstorm
15634030_web1_Remi_Michalowski
Remi Michalowski, 39, has been identified by North Shore Rescue as the missing snowshoer caught in an avalanche on Mt. Seymour Monday, Feb 18, 2019. (Facebook photo)

A Surrey snowshoer who went missing in the backcountry of Mt. Seymour has been found dead.

Remi Michalowski, 39, has been missing since Monday when an avalanche hit him and a friend while out on an overnight trip. His friend, a 30-year-old man, was able to cling to a tree and call 911, before being rescued by search crews.

North Shore Rescue’s Mike Danks confirmed Michalowski’s body was found around 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday (Feb. 20).

”Our condolences go out to the family. This has to be a very challenging thing to lose a son. I’m just thankful we were able to provide closure.”

Danks said the searchers scoured through debris looking for Michalowski.

READ MORE: Searchers scour mountain for Surrey man caught in avalanche

READ MORE: Experts urge caution after 10 human-triggered avalanches across B.C.

Rescuers were forced to take a break in their search on Tuesday, due to a snowstorm, but resumed their efforts Wednsday.

North Shore Rescue said on Facebook Wednesday that their long-line team were waiting on stand-by as Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog teams and Canadian Avalanche Association personnel headed across the mountainside.

https://twitter.com/ashwadhwani/status/1098253596854935553

The avalanche danger remains considerable. Temperatures are predicted to increase during the day, North Shore Rescue said, and avalanche danger in the area will be monitored carefully.

With files from The Canadian Press


@ashwadhwani
ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca

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About the Author: Ashley Wadhwani-Smith

I began my journalistic journey at Black Press Media as a community reporter in my hometown of Maple Ridge, B.C.
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