Sea to Sky RCMP and Whistler Search and Rescue respond to call for fallen hiker on Black Tusk

Sea to Sky, Whistler, Air Services

2023-07-11 11:03 PDT

File # 2023-3298

On July 10th, 2023, at 11:15 am the Sea to Sky RCMP - Whistler received a request for assistance to the Garibaldi Provincial Park on the Black Tusk area. The caller stated a woman had fallen off the Black Tusk chimney portion in the park and was seriously injured.

Whistler members, RCMP Air Services, BC Ambulance paramedics, and Whistler Search and Rescue responded to the location to provide medical aid. The hiker unfortunately succumbed to her injuries a short time later. She was identified as 28 year old, Nicole Killian from Richmond, Vermont.

"Garibaldi Provincial Park and the Black Tusk is a highly popular area in the Sea to Sky and although readily travelled this remains a technical and advanced level hike" stated Staff Sergeant Sascha Banks. "The Black Tusk Chimney and scree portion can be extremely dangerous to even the most skilled adventurer, be sure to trip plan and assess your abilities prior to attempting this area. The Sea to Sky Whistler RCMP and Whistler Search and Rescue send their thoughts to the Killian family."

The Killian family want to thank all those that assisted Nicole yesterday. Nicole was a member of the Richmond Rescue team in Vermont and would want everyone to be safe in their travels and in the backcountry wherever they may be. The following is a statement from the family:

"Nicole was a rescuer of dogs and people alike. She loved her friends and family deeply. She had just earned her doctorate as a Nurse Practitioner from NYU after working tirelessly in the ER and Rescue. She was impeccably herself and is irreplaceable."

The Sea to Sky RCMP - Whistler, the BC Coroners Service, and BC Parks will all work on a joint investigation to determine events leading up the incident. If anyone was in the area and has information relevant to this file please contact the Whistler detachment at 604-932-3044.

RCMP helicopter on Black Tusk