A 52-year-old snowmobiler from Nanaimo was killed Saturday after plummeting more than 75 metres down a mountain in Whistler.
Investigators determined the man had stopped his snowmobile on a cornice in the area of Mount Callaghan, near Callaghan Lake Provincial Park, when it collapsed.
He was partially buried in snow after the fall and other snowmobilers in the area rushed to help him, digging him out performing CPR.
Whistler Search and Rescue launched a helicopter, bringing a doctor along to treat any possible injuries.
Despite everyone's best efforts, the man could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The BC Coroner's Service is now investigating to determine the exact cause of death.
Police and search and rescue crews are reminding the public to use caution in the backcountry, saying Avalanche Canada recently issued a notice recommending snowmobilers give cornices an extra-wide berth.
The man's identity has not been confirmed.
