The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of three persons who died following a fall while ice-climbing on Mount Joffre near Pemberton on Jan. 11, 2015.

They were: Elena Cernicka, aged 35, of North Vancouver; Neil Charles Mackenzie, aged 31, and Stephanie Grothe, aged 30. Mr. Mackenzie and Ms. Grothe were residing in Vancouver; Mr. Mackenzie was originally from Scotland and Ms. Grothe from Germany.

The three were part of a group who travelled to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park on Jan. 10, 2015, and spent that night in a backcountry hut in the park. On Jan. 11, the three went ice-climbing while others in the group engaged in other activities. When the three had not returned as planned, the others went looking for them, and spotted one person, apparently deceased.

They were able to notify authorities, and Pemberton Search and Rescue began a search at first light on Jan. 12, 2015. The other two were found later that morning, having apparently fallen more than 600 metres down a couloir. All three were deceased at the scene.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate these deaths.

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 BC Coroners Service would like to extend special thanks to Pemberton Search and Rescue for their invaluable assistance in this case.

For further information, please contact:

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