British man among 3 ice climbers killed after plunging 600m on Canadian mountain
A British man and two female climbers fell 600m to their death while ice climbing in Canada, a coroner has confirmed.
Neil McKenzie, 31, from Scotland died along with two women after splitting from a larger group on Sunday to go ice climbing on Mount Joffre, according to the British Columbia Coroners Service.
When the trio failed to return the rest of their group went looking, spotting a body before contacting search and rescue units. Mr McKenzie's body was found in a crevasse below the peak along with those of Elena Cernicka, 35, of North Vancouver, Canada and Stephanie Grothe, 30, who lived in Vancouver but was originally from Germany after a search on Monday morning. Words: PA
A statement from the coroner said the climbers had fallen more than 600m down a passage on the mountain in the Pemberton area, north of Whistler. Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the coroner were investigating the deaths, it added.
The corner added: "The families of all three victims have been notified of their deaths. On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time."
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed there had been a British victim.
A spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national in Canada. We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time."
Local reports said the climbers were part of a group of five.
Related stories
Incredible moment ice climber survives 60ft fall when frozen pillar collapses (photos)
Three climbers in "terrifying"fight on Mount Everest
