On July 23, Parks Canada received a report of an overdue hiker, Bob Toothill, from Golden, who was travelling the Great Divide Trail between Waterton Lakes National Park and Coleman, AB.

He was reported overdue after failing to arrive at his expected destination.

In coordination with Alberta RCMP, Parks Canada immediately initiated search and rescue operations and commenced an investigation to locate the missing hiker.

Ground and air searches were completed every day with specialized resources including K-9 units, drone pilots, specialized helicopters and thermal imaging when available. Over the course of the search, several items belonging to the hiker were recovered, helping search teams narrow their efforts to a specific area of Waterton Lakes National Park.

On July 30, Parks Canada ground searchers located the subject deceased within Waterton Lakes National Park.

The RCMP have now confirmed that the deceased individual recovered during the search was Bob Toothill, 81, and have notified next of kin.

Parks Canada extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and others who have been impacted by this tragic incident.

We are grateful to all responders, organizations and individuals who have supported this response.

Pincher Creek RCMP are leading the investigation.

Lead image: The Waterton Lakes National Park RCMP station. e-KNOW file photo

Waterton Lakes National Park

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