UPDATE 2:40 p.m.
Two brothers and prominent American businessmen have been identified as the fatal victims of an avalanche Monday near Revelstoke.
Timothy and Jonathan Kinsley, respective leaders of Kinsley Properties and Kinsley Construction, died Monday while heli-skiing with Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH).
“Our entire Kinsley family is still processing this heartbreaking news of their deaths and respectfully ask for privacy at this time,” said the family in a statement.
“We know their presence as dedicated leaders in our organization and the community will be immensely missed by many and we are grateful for your love, understanding and prayers as our entire Kinsley family manages this loss.”
Pennsylvania-based Fox43 reports Tim Kinsley served as president of Kinsley Properties, a prominent developer in the state. He served with the family business for 40 years.
Jon Kinsley was part of Kinsley Construction—a large builder—for 36 years, including 26 years as president.
ORIGINAL 11:35 a.m.
RCMP have confirmed two have been killed following an avalanche in the Mount McCrae area near Revelstoke Monday afternoon.
A third person suffered injuries.
In a statement, police say a small group of people had been heli-skiing in the area known as "Chocolate Bunnies" southeast of Revelstoke at the time of the avalanche.
"Immediate action was taken on scene by all involved to locate the victims, provide first aid and transport by helicopter to hospital. Ultimately, the efforts to save the lives of the two skiers were unsuccessful, said Revelstoke RCMP Detachment Sgt. Chris Dodds.
"The third skier involved remains at hospital in serious condition."
Officials with CMH Heli-Skiing also confirmed the news on their website Tuesday morning.
"CMH guides attended to two guests who were unresponsive. The two guests were flown to Kelowna airport and transported to Kelowna General Hospital where both guests were sadly pronounced deceased," the statement read.
"The third person, a CMH guide, is presently in stable condition and has been transferred by ground to Kelowna General Hospital from Revelstoke.
"The thousands of guests who ski with us each winter are our family. It is impossible to put into words the sorrow that we feel and the sadness that is shared by our guests, their families and all of our staff."
The RCMP and BC Coroners Service are investigating.
Monday's tragedy brings the number of people killed in avalanches in B.C over the past two weeks to five.
Two Nelson police officers were killed while skiing near Kaslo while a snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche Saturday near Valemount.
Avalanche Canada has issued a warning to people venturing into the backcountry about the volatility of the snowpack.
A separate avalanche on Monday in the Keefer Lake area outside of Cherryville also sent one person to hospital.
