Comox Valley (BC), Canada – A 15-year-old snowboarder died on Tuesday while snowboarding at Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island.

Authorities began searching for the yet-unnamed victim, who was staying at the mountain with his family, at around 5 p.m. on Tuesday after he failed to return to the base of the ski area at the end of the day after becoming separated from his companions at around 3:15 p.m. on an intermediate run. The search involved 24 members of Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue alongside Mount Washington Ski Patrol. He was located deceased within the ski area’s boundary at around 11 p.m.

“He was found in a fairly open area, between the Retirement ski run and Linton’s Loop”, the resort’s Director of Business Operations, Don Sharpe said.  “The conditions surrounding his death are still uncertain.”

Police and the local coroner’s office investigated the scene in daylight today.

“This is a very sad tragedy,” resort general manager Peter Gibson stated. “Everyone here at the resort sends our sincerest condolences to the family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them.  I would like to thank our dedicated staff and the exemplary search and rescue team for their assistance.”