Family of Missing Man Presumed Drowned Near Banff Urges Search Efforts to Continue

Banff National Park, Alberta News, Johnston Canyon, Parks Canada, Calgary News, Missing Person, Canada News, Pavlo Shemchuk, RCMP, Tourist Safety

The family and girlfriend of a 25-year-old man presumed drowned in Johnston Canyon near Banff National Park are pleading with authorities to resume search efforts after recovery operations were suspended earlier this week.

The missing man has been identified as Pavlo Shemchuk, originally from Ukraine and recently living in Pennsylvania and Arizona.

According to RCMP, emergency crews were called to Johnston Canyon around 6:40 p.m. on Friday after reports that a man had jumped into the rapids at the popular tourist destination west of Banff but failed to resurface.

Search and rescue teams, including Parks Canada visitor safety specialists, conducted an extensive operation over the weekend, searching both the river and surrounding canyon area.

However, on Monday, Parks Canada announced that recovery efforts had been suspended after what officials described as all feasible search operations had been exhausted.

Authorities said dangerous water conditions caused by spring runoff and freezing temperatures made continued recovery efforts too hazardous for rescue teams.

Johnston Canyon trails, which had been temporarily closed during the search operation, were reopened to the public after the active search ended.

The decision has left Shemchuk’s loved ones devastated and frustrated as they continue hoping his body can still be recovered.

His girlfriend, Nicolette Babbe, told media that the family has received very limited information regarding whether search operations could eventually resume.

“This is an extremely difficult time for the family,” Babbe said while appealing for public awareness and support.

She added that the family remains desperate to bring Shemchuk home and is seeking continued attention on the case in hopes that recovery efforts may restart when conditions improve.

Parks Canada confirmed in a statement that visitor safety specialists, supported by law enforcement and partner agencies, thoroughly searched both the upper and lower pools near the Lower Falls area of Johnston Canyon.

Despite those efforts, officials said the missing man was not located.

“Due to ongoing hazardous water conditions, all feasible search efforts have been exhausted at this time, and recovery operations have been suspended,” Parks Canada stated.

The agency also issued a public safety warning to anyone considering conducting independent searches in the area.

Officials urged visitors and volunteers to remain on designated pathways and avoid entering dangerous terrain or waterways.

Parks Canada warned that high water levels, swift currents and slippery conditions continue to pose serious risks to public safety throughout the canyon area.

Johnston Canyon remains one of the most visited natural attractions in Banff National Park, drawing thousands of tourists every year with its waterfalls, catwalks and hiking trails.

However, the area can become particularly dangerous during spring runoff season when melting snow significantly raises river levels and water speeds.

Search and rescue officials have repeatedly warned visitors about the risks associated with entering fast-moving mountain waterways, especially during seasonal melt conditions.

The tragic incident has also sparked emotional reactions online, with many people expressing sympathy for Shemchuk’s family and concern about the dangers posed by mountain rivers and rapids.

As the family waits for further updates, uncertainty remains over whether Parks Canada may reconsider recovery operations once water conditions become safer later in the season.

For now, authorities say there are no active search efforts underway, while RCMP and Parks Canada continue monitoring the situation.

Courtesy: globalnews