A GoFundMe campaign has started to help the victims involved in a fatal avalanche in Kaslo on Monday.
Off-duty Nelson police officers Const. Mathieu Nolet and Const. Wade Tittemore were backcountry skiing near the Empire Cabin west of Buchanan Mountain when an avalanche overtook them.
Nolet was rescued and given first aid. The 28-year-old was transported to the hospital and remains in critical condition.
Tittemore, 43, was later found but couldn't be revived.
According to the GoFundMe posted by the Nelson Police Association, Tittemore joined the Nelson Police Department four years ago from Calgary Police Service.
"[He] quickly demonstrated his skill, empathy and enthusiasm for his job. He was an immediate natural fit and quickly became loved by all NPD staff. His energy and sense of humour will be missed by all of those who knew him. Wade is survived by his two loving sons, wife and by his sister, mother and father," Kristen Young wrote.
Nolet joined the Nelson Police Department one year ago, also from Calgary Police Service.
"Mat came highly recommended and regarded by CPS and like Wade, was a quick natural fit with NPD demonstrating compassion and maturity well beyond his years of experience. Mat is loved by all NPD staff and our wishes for a fast recovery go out to Mat and his family during this time."
"The love of the backcountry and outdoors brought both Mat and Wade together as friends and was also a main reason for them to choose Nelson as their home," Young added.
Young says the fundraiser was started to help reduce financial stress for both victims' families.
More than $21,000 has been raised so far.
