The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of two men who died in separate mountaineering accidents in B.C. in the past week.

Richard Lewis Gebert, aged 60, of Carmel, Maine, had spent several weeks mountain climbing in the area of Jasper National Park and on the B.C.-Alberta border. On Aug. 14, he was climbing on Mount Redoubt when he apparently fell a significant distance while rappelling. He was reported missing the next day when he failed to make a planned contact with family members. He was found, and his body recovered, later on Aug. 15 by Parks Canada safety specialists.

Ferdinand Taxbock, aged 71, was one of three persons on a climbing trip together in the Bugaboo Mountains south of Golden. In the early afternoon of Aug. 19, he was witnessed to lose his footing on loose rock and fall about 50 metres before his fall could be arrested by the other climbers. He was deceased at the scene.

Both Mr. Gerbert and Mr. Taxbock were highly experienced mountaineers.

The BC Coroners Service is continuing to investigate these deaths.

The families of both men have been notified of their deaths. On behalf of the family, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

For further information, please contact:

Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253