A community is mourning after the death of a 49-year-old Hintonite.

Hinton RCMP announced today through a media bulletin that on Saturday, September 28 at 11:55 a.m. police officers and members of the Yellowhead Fire Department responded to a report of a male in medical distress after he capsized his kayak on the Athabasca River near Hinton.  

Despite the best efforts to perform life-saving first aid by his wife, who was also on scene at the time, the 49-year-old male, a resident of Hinton, was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

An RCMP investigation determined that the male had been wearing a life jacket and was attempting to recover an abandoned canoe.  

Unseasonably high-water volumes in the Athabasca river are suspected of being a key factor in this tragic loss, RCMP have said.  

“The RCMP would like to remind everyone to prioritize safety when engaging in activity on or near the Athabasca river,” said Cpl. Lou Leroux, public information officer for the Alberta RCMP media group. 

“Members of the Hinton RCMP send their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.”

Jasper Local staff // info@thejasperlocal.com