Mounties in Alberta have reported a fatal incident involving a paraglider colliding with a mountainside near Ha Ling Peak in Canmore on January 18. RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney confirmed that the male paraglider was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is currently being investigated, with no suspicions of criminal activity. Authorities were alerted to the incident by a witness who observed the paraglider hitting the mountain. Upon arrival, emergency services were on-site, including a helicopter and EMS.
Traffic control was managed by the RCMP while Kananaskis Emergency Services assisted the victim. Autopsy results are awaited as part of the investigation process. Michael Plenits, the press secretary for Alberta’s minister of forestry and parks, highlighted that hang-gliding and paragliding are federally regulated activities with designated takeoff and landing points in Kananaskis. Ha Ling Peak is recognized as one of these authorized locations. Alberta Parks does not issue individual flight permits but collaborates with the Alberta Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association and other relevant partners.
In response to the crash, rescue teams from Alberta Parks and conservation officers also mobilized to the scene.