An innocent geocache adventure for four residents of Moyie Springs, Idaho, turned deadly on July 20 when a 75-year-old male fell down an embankment near Akokli Creek Road and died.
The man lost his footing when he stepped over a roadside barrier, lost his footing and fell approximately 80 feet, according to RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk.
"Geocaching is a very popular recreational activity where people use GPS devices to locate hidden items and sign in to a log book, and at times replace the small trinket with another item for the next geocacher to find and exchange,” Moskaluk said in a press release. “We do caution people to consider the terrain at these sites, to ensure that it is safe to attempt to retrieve the item, if deemed that it’s in rough terrain, simply skip it."
The accident, which occurred at about 2:20 p.m. on Highway 3A, was investigated by Creston RCMP and the BC Coroners Service.
“Despite the efforts of the man's family who were with him and another group of motorists who also assisted to provide first aid and CPR, the man died at the scene as a result of the injuries sustained in the fall,” Moskaluk said.
The visitors were vacationing in B.C. and witness accounts indicate they had just begun locating the GPS bearings of the geocache when the accident occurred. Creston RCMP, BC Ambulance Service and Nelson Search and Rescue all worked to rescue the man. Creston RCMP victim assistance services provided support to the visiting family.