The search continues for a woman who fell into a creek Wednesday evening in Golden Ears Provincial Park.
The 23-year-old was with relatives on a tour of the popular park in east Maple Ridge. She was standing near a waterfall when she slipped and plunged in the rushing waters of Gold Creek around 4:15 p.m.
Ridge Meadows RCMP said her family called 911 immediately after the accident, but the woman could not be located. She is believed to have drowned.
Volunteers with Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue scoured the banks and fast-moving creek for the woman until 11:30 p.m. Wednesday and returned to the site Thursday morning to continue their search.
The location where the woman drowned is a treacherous one, especially during times of high water. Warm temperatures have melted snow from the peaks above, making streams run fast.
“This search and rescue operation is hampered by the high water and strong currents," said Corp. Alanna Dunlop."A helicopter was brought in yesterday, and RCMP Air One will assist with an aerial search today.”
It is the fifth death in Golden Ears Provincial Park in the past four years.
Last year, two men drowned after being sucked under by currents while swimming in the same area.