VANCOUVER - The man who has been the tireless spokesman for backcountry safety on Vancouver's North Shore mountains has died suddenly.

Tim Jones, the leader of the North Shore Rescue Team, died Sunday evening after suffering a medical emergency on Mount Seymour.

A release posted on the team's website says Jones died on the trail of one of the mountains where he has led countless rescues over many years with the high profile, volunteer team.

The release says Jones had completed team business at the North Shore Rescue cabin and was heading down when he collapsed.

Despite the efforts of many first responders, he could not be revived.

Tributes are already pouring in for the man the team describes as its tenacious leader, while others call him selfless, courageous and a guy who went out as he lived -- with adventure, passion and fresh air as his last breath.