17-year-old boy dead after falling from cliff in B.C. Interior, RCMP say

Shuswap Lake and Bastion Mountain are seen from near Salmon Arm in this file photo. (Shutterstock.com)

A 17-year-old boy is dead after what authorities are calling a “tragic hiking accident” in the B.C. Interior.

Three teens were hiking on Bastion Mountain north of Salmon Arm Monday afternoon when one of them “disappeared near the top of a 200-foot cliff,” according to a news release from Salmon Arm RCMP.

The victim is “believed to have slipped and fallen,” police said, adding that the father of one of the three friends “located the victim at the base of the cliff, unresponsive.”

Search and rescue crews rappelled down to the victim and confirmed he was deceased, police said.

“This is another tragic event that will greatly affect our community,” said Staff Sgt. Simon Scott, in the release.

“We’re deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a young life. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and all those impacted by this devastating event.”

The B.C. Coroners Service is investigating, police said.