Hiker dies at mid-point of Grouse Grind

A middle-aged hiker has died while attempting to climb the Grouse Grind.

District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue and B.C. Ambulance Service paramedics were tasked to the notoriously steep hike Wednesday afternoon after a 9-1-1 call reporting a man with chest pains.

The 50-year-old man and an acquaintance had reached the halfway point of the 2.9-kilometre trail when the call came in.

“Some students were behind them on the trail and, with the assistance of BCAS, they were attempting to render first aid but unfortunately the male has passed away,” said Insp. Dave Atfield, North Vancouver RCMP spokesman.

North Shore Rescue has been called to use their long-line helicopter gear to remove the body so it can be turned over to the B.C. Coroner’s Service, which investigates all cases of sudden or unexpected death.

The RCMP’s victim services unit is speaking with witnesses and seeking out the next of kin.

Atfield could not say if the victim was local or was visiting the area.

The last noted fatality on the Grouse Grind was in 2006.