26-year-old snowboarder dies after falling off cliff at Whistler Blackcomb

Police say a snowboarderat Whistler Blackcomb died on Thursday after plunging 20metres off a cliff.

RCMPsaid they received a request for assistance from B.C. Ambulance at about 10:20 a.m. PT.

Police saidthe snowboarderwas onWhistler Mountainat thetop of the Peak Chairlift, when he fell 20 metres off a cliff.

WhistlerBlackcomb said that ski patrollers responded to the accident and provided emergency care.

The 26-year-old man sustainedserious injuries andwas transported by helicopter to the Whistler Health Care Centrewhere he was pronounced dead.

Sgt. Sascha Banks with Squamish RCMPsaid the man was a Whistler local and was snowboarding with a friend in the alpinearea, which is meant for experienced riders.

"He had the experience to be up there, but it was just an unfortunate event," she said.

Whistler RCMPare investigatingthe incident with the BC Coroners Service and Whistler Blackcomb.

"Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and those who worked tirelessly to try and save this young man," Banks said in a statement.

"As we have seen in the past few weeks, unfortunateincidents can happen to the most experienced adventurers. Please take that extra moment, that extra check of your surroundingsandensure you have all your safety equipment."

Whistler Blackcombconfirmed a "serious incident" took place with one of its guests Thursday.

"On behalf of the Whistler Blackcomb team and the entire Vail Resorts family, we extend our deepest sympathy to the guests' family and friends,"Geoff Buchheister, chief operating officerof Whistler Blackcomb, said in a written statement.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Whistler RCMP.