At a Glance
- An 18-year-old man from Maple Ridge, B.C., fell from a chairlift at Cypress Mountain resort on January 15, 2026.
- Emergency crews responded at 7:27 p.m. local time; the teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Police say evidence points to a tragic accident with no mechanical issues detected.
- Why it matters: The incident raises questions about ski-lift safety protocols as the coroner’s office takes over the investigation.
A teenager died after falling from a chairlift at Cypress Mountain resort in West Vancouver, Canada, on January 15, 2026. The 18-year-old man from Maple Ridge, B.C., was found in medical distress beneath the lift and was pronounced dead when emergency crews arrived.
Incident Details
The West Vancouver Police Department (WVPD) received the call at 7:27 p.m. local time, according to their news release. Two ambulances and a paramedic response unit were dispatched by B.C. Emergency Health Services.
Key facts released by authorities:
- No obvious mechanical or technical problems with the chairlift
- Death classified as non-suspicious
- Investigation transferred to the coroner’s office
- Victims’ services remain available for family, witnesses, and the public
“All available evidence points to this being a tragic accident,” said WVPD spokesperson Suzanne Birch. “There are no obvious indications of technical or mechanical issues with the chairlift.”
Resort Response
Cypress Mountain issued a statement through CBC News and the Vancouver Sun expressing condolences. “Cypress Mountain extends our heartfelt condolences and support to the guest’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” the resort wrote in an email.
The resort did not immediately respond to News Of Losangeles‘s request for comment on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Ongoing Investigation
Because the death appears non-suspicious, the coroner’s office now leads the investigation. WVPD emphasized that victims’ services were present the night of the incident and continue to be offered.
“The West Vancouver Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this young man,” Birch said. “We acknowledge how upsetting this would have been for everyone in the vicinity.”
Key Takeaways
- The teen’s death is treated as an accidental fall, not a mechanical failure
- Cypress Mountain has publicly condoled the family but has not released additional operational details
- The coroner’s findings will determine whether any policy or equipment changes are required
