UPDATED: AUGUST 31, 2012
The mountain biker who had to be rescued after an accident Monday on a rugged trail near Naramata has died.
He has been identified by the BC Coroners Service as 60-year-old Guy Joseph Du Vent of Kaleden.
Du Vent was injured on the Three Blind Mice trail and was airlifted to Kelowna General Hospital where he died on Wednesday. His family has asked for privacy.
POSTED: AUGUST 28, 2012
An avid Penticton mountain biker reportedly suffered serious head injuries as a result of an accident Monday morning on the KVR Trail.
The unidentified male cyclist, believed to be in his 60s, was airlifted by long line and helicopter from the crash site just east of Naramata Road about 6 p.m. Monday.
The victim is thought to have been taken to Kelowna General Hospital, however, his condition was not available at press time.
He had been reported missing several hours earlier by his wife when he failed to meet her at a parking lot near Poplar Grove Road.
A total of 17 members of Penticton Search and Rescue were mobilized in mid-afternoon and were just starting out when they received word the man had been found on one of the maze of trails that wind their way through the hilly region known as the Three Blind Mice.
“His friend called the RCMP to let them know he located him, that he was injured and needed to be evacuated as soon as possible,” said search manager Cindy Smith. “We’re not sure how long he had been laying there for, but there is a good possibility it could have been four or five hours.”
Once his location was determined, it was decided to get medical aid there as quickly as possible and evacuate him by the most efficient means, which was by helicopter.
“We had already arranged to have the HETS (Helicopter External Transport System) high angle rope rescue team ready in the event we found him and he was injured,” said Smith, who was with the man during the several minute flight out of the region. “He was communicating with the team on the ground that was helping package him but not a lot, he was definitely struggling at that point.
“In the air you just try to reassure them that it won’t be a long time and everything will be OK.”
The Penticton SAR utilizes the services of Eclipse Helicopters and has done extensive training over the years with the company.
At this stage, it is not know if the cyclist was wearing a helmet, however, Smith advises anyone who is riding or hiking to always be prepared with the proper equipment and leave detailed information about the planned routes.