A Springbank man died while on a hunting trip near Mount Abraham, about 125 kilometres west of Rocky Mountain House, after he became separated from his travelling partner.
Sixty-nine-year-old Robert Allin Folinsbee was found dead on the mountain on Nov. 5.
On Nov. 4, Rocky Mountain House RCMP were advised of a missing hunter near Mount Abraham and were told that two men had ventured into the area on Nov. 2. According to RCMP, both hikers were equipped with the necessary climbing equipment and experience for the terrain they were in.
Folinsbee and the other man, who police say they will not name, became separated but were able to maintain contact by radio communication on day two of their excursion.
One man made it safely back to their vehicle, while Folinsbee chose to wait out the storm that was in the area at the time.
“People do go missing in that area, but this was a bit of a unique situation,” said Cpl. Shawna Lozinski of Rocky Mountain House RCMP. “With the storm that was forecast to hit the province, it was not a good day to be heading out.”
On Nov. 4, when radio contact with Folinsbee was lost and efforts to locate him had been exhausted by friends, police were notified to assist. A search commenced at daybreak on Nov. 5, which included Rocky Mountain House RCMP, a civilian search and rescue team, RCMP Air Services and a private air rescue company.
At approximately 8:50 a.m., Folinsbee’s body was located by officers. Autopsy reports for the cause of death were not available at press time.
Brendan Cox, Public Affairs Officer with the Solicitor General ministry, which oversees Fish and Wildlife officers, made comments on outdoor safety, stating it’s best to avoid the outdoors during extreme weather.
“If you are out there, you need to be familiar with the area that you’re planning to hunt in to avoid getting lost or separated from your group.” said Cox. “Be aware of the weather forecast before you head out.”
Cox also stressed the importance of being prepared if you find yourself outdoors in a storm.
“Pack a warm sleeping bag and a waterproof ground cover,” said Cox.
“You should also bring emergency food, waterproof matches and signal items (such as flares) just in case you end up getting lost.”
For those who are avid hunters and outdoors enthusiasts, Cox recommends signing up for the Alberta Emergency Alert Service, a service that will send weather alerts to your cell phone.
To sign up, visit www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca
