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"We are heartbroken": Beloved Amazing Race Canada contestant dies hiking B.C. mountain

Former Amazing Race Canada contestant Kenneth McAlpine was found dead on Aug. 27 after allegedly falling from a mountain peak in B.C.'s Kootenay region.

 Photo: The Amazing Race Canada / FacebookPhoto: The Amazing Race Canada / Facebook

Former Amazing Race Canada contestant Kenneth McAlpine was found dead on Aug. 27 after allegedly falling from a mountain peak in B.C.'s Kootenay region.

Police and search-and-rescue began searching for McAlpine after he didn't come home on Monday, Aug 26 from hiking on Gimli Mountain west of Slocan Lake by himself; he was found dead the following day.

RCMP say that McAlpine, 28, was described as an experienced hiker. His friends began to worry, however, after he failed to return home by 7 p.m. They subsequently filed a missing person report to South Slocan RCMP.

RCMP activated the Kaslo Search and Rescue Team who worked throughout the evening with several personnel and search dogs. Search and Rescue discovered a body the following day after, "what appears to be a substantial fall from approximately 260 meters."

A SAR helicopter was brought in to provide access to the body for RCMP and the Coroner. Criminality is not suspected in his sudden death at this time. Police have been in contact with the family who reside in Ontario.

"The RCMP would like to recognize the excellent efforts of the Kaslo Search and Rescue team for their determination and professionalism during this difficult recovery. The investigation is ongoing and police are speaking to other hikers who were in the area at the time." says A/Sgt Brett Turner.

McAlpine appeared on Season 5 of The Amazing Race Canada, and placed second. A recent post on the popular show's Facebook says, "We are heartbroken over the loss of Season 5 racer Kenneth McAlpine. Part of TEAM GIVE'R, Kenneth’s infectious personality left a lasting impression not only on us, but with viewers across the country. His family and friends are in our thoughts and hearts during this difficult time."

The BC Coroners Service told V.I.A. in an email that it does not confirm or release identity due to privacy. However, they can confirm that there is an investigation into the death of a male aged 28 and that they were notified on Aug. 28 of his death.

The BCCS adds that it will look to determine who died and how, where, when and by what means he came to his death.