A former “Amazing Race Canada” contestant was found dead on a mountain in British Columbia, Canada, earlier this week, according to reports.
Kenneth McAlpine, 28, died after a “substantial fall” while hiking alone on Mount Gimli in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, said his family, reported CTV News.
He was found about 850 feet below the path where he had been hiking near Gimli’s upper peak, officials said.
“He packed a ton of living into 28 years,” his father Mac McAlpine told CTV. “There was no grass growing under his feet.”
He also told Global News: “He embraced life, he was brave and he was a pretty cool guy,” he said.
McAlpine had appeared in Season 5 of “Amazing Race Canada,” and he was on “Team Give’r” with Ryan Lachapelle. Meanwhile, he was an elder at a local church and officiated several weddings.
“But as soon as he got done cooking, he was outdoors, and he biked and hiked and kayaked and surfed,” Mac McAlpine said. “He was an exceptional man. And I’m proud that he was our son.”
“Amazing Race Canada” issued a statement about his death.
“We are heartbroken over the loss of Season 5 racer Kenneth McAlpine. Part of TEAM GIVE’R, Kenneth’s infectious personality left a lasting impression not only on us, but with viewers across the country. His family and friends are in our thoughts and hearts during this difficult time,” it said.
Fans offered condolences to his family.
What terrible news. Team Give’r was my favourite. Kenneth gave off such good vibes and great energy! RIP
— B (@OzzieBonn) August 28, 2019
So sorry for the loss. He was a great player with an amazing personality. He was a great representation of what it is to be Canadian.
— Alain Dupuis (@alaindupuis1985) August 29, 2019
Tough news. We are saddened. He had so much to give and was so young. Hopefully, he will be acknowledged in one of the two remaining episodes this season. 💔
— Tom MacInnes ❤🍎🇨🇦 (@cobourgcobbie) August 28, 2019
He also worked as a chef at Gabriella’s Restaurant at the time of his death, Fox News reported. His boss, Gabriella Lapointe, said he was a great cook who “loved” the mountains.
She said, “Kenneth was one of the most awesome people that we have had the opportunity to work with and know.”
The local coroner’s office is now investigating McAlpine’s death, reported Fox.
The South Columbia Search and Rescue on Tuesday said it “has revised our post due to questions and information that might be misleading. Please understand that Search and Rescue holds the confidentiality of all the work we do with our partners like RCMP, Fire Services and BC Ambulance.”
“Some information and press releases have limited information due to active investigations, family notifications or positive identifications. Our continued work with our partners is important to us and we will never breach that confidentiality with them,” the organization wrote.
The victim, it added, was “located at around 11am and appears to have fallen down the front face of the mountain. Our Search efforts were stood down at this point and what we hoped would become rescue efforts to evacuate our subject actually became a recovery operation . The incident was aprox 14 hours today. Thank you to all the teams that responded and our Local RCMP partners for all their hard work and help today.”
