Elk Valley RCMP responded to a report of a deceased man being found next to a dirt bike on a remote forest service road south of Sparwood on August 12, 2023.

According to police, a witness found the deceased man in a creek bed. The witness met police and took them to the scene.

S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen of the Elk Valley RCMP says that it appears the man had been travelling alone at what they considered a high rate of speed and hit a washout, resulting in a crash into the stream bed. The rider was not wearing a helmet when found.

Nielsen says the coroner was notified but did not come to the scene due to the remoteness of the location.

The deceased man has been identified as a 51-year old from the Kootenays. His family was notified by police.

“The wearing of safety equipment and having a buddy system in place may have made a difference in this case given the known circumstances,” Nielsen said. “Elk Valley RCMP offer their condolences to the family. The investigation is ongoing.”