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RCMP Say 25-Year-Old U.S. Visitor Died at Banff’s Johnston Canyon as Recovery Is Halted

Police are treating it as an accidental death during recreational activity.

Overview

  • The visitor, who crossed barriers at the Lower Falls and jumped into a pool on Friday evening, briefly surfaced and then went under, RCMP said.
  • RCMP now say he died, as Parks Canada suspends recovery because spring runoff has made the water fast, opaque, and unsafe for crews.
  • Steep canyon walls kept divers out, so teams tried cameras instead, but the powerful current left almost no visibility under water.
  • Johnston Canyon is closed until further notice, and the 25-year-old—who was visiting with friends from Pennsylvania—has relatives in contact with police.
  • The case follows a string of April rescues that prompted reminders about deep snow, icy footing, and hidden currents that can pull people below the surface.