Calgary woman drowns in Kootenay River, man taken to hospital
Posted Aug 17, 2020 2:23 pm.
Last Updated Aug 17, 2020 2:40 pm.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – A woman from Calgary died Sunday after falling into the Kootenay River passing through Kootenay National Park’s Marble Canyon.
The 34-year-old woman was posing for a photo when she lost her footing, slipped and fell into the river and was swept away.
Her friend, a 29-year-old man from Calgary, tried to save her but was also swept away.
RELATED: Police investigate possible drownings southwest of Edmonton
While the man was pulled from the Canyon and brought to hospital by crews using a high angle rope rescue, the woman did not survive.
Her body was pulled from the water about a kilometre downstream by a bystander, who tried to save her.
This only adds to the high number of drowning cases this summer in Alberta after three members of a family drowned at Crescent Falls last week.
READ MORE: Spike in Alberta drownings, pandemic could be factor
A number of people saw the woman fall into the river and are being supported by Columbia Valley RCMP Victim Services.
If you saw the event and may need emotional support, please contact Columbia Valley RCMP at 250-342-9292.
