The 20-year-old man who died while on a hike near Lindeman Lake on the weekend has been identified.
Sukhjeet Saggu of Surrey was on the popular trail near Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park when he became separated from his friends on Friday.
Chilliwack RCMP were called in at around 4:30 p.m. With the help of volunteers from Chilliwack Search and Rescue, an extensive air and ground search was launched.
The search was called off, however, later that evening.
“Mountain terrain is treacherous in this area and the search had to be suspended once darkness fell,” said RCMP Cpl. Mike Rail.
The next day a search and rescue dog team and RCMP Air Services from Courtenay joined searchers when they resumed in the morning.
At around 2 p.m., the young man’s body was found at the base of a boulder field along the portion of the trail that continues on the Greendrop Lake.
Although the Lindeman Lake Trail is considered one of the more accessible hikes in the area, the boulder field at the north end of the lake can be challenging. Some of the rocks are unstable, and there is no clear trail across the field.
Rescuers are not sure if Saggu died while attempting to cross the field, or fell while trying to climb up and around the area.
“We remind every one of the danger while enjoying the back country,” said Rail. “Always remain with your group and be aware of your surroundings.”
