Family of Chinese hiker who died in B.C. mountain fall faces ‘enormous’ medical bills

VANCOUVER — An outdoor adventure group says a member who died after trying to rescue a companion on one of Metro Vancouver’s tallest mountains was a visitor from China, whose family now faces “enormous” medical bills.

The Pacific Northwest Outdoor Association says in an online statement that Yan Cen, who fell about 100 metres on Brunswick Mountain near Lions Bay, B.C., “lost his life while bravely helping another friend.”

Lions Bay Search and Rescue says the incident happened on Saturday when a woman in a group of 14 hikers slipped and fell about 20 metres.

Yan then tried to climb down to assist her, but the rescue group says he also slipped and fell further down the steep, snowy terrain, coming to rest just above a waterfall.

A spokesperson for Lions Bay Search and Rescue confirmed the man rescued on Saturday who died the next day, is the same person identified as Yan in an online fundraiser set up by the outdoor association.

The fundraiser says Yan’s death has left his family devastated and facing “overwhelming non-resident ICU medical bills” from Vancouver General Hospital.

Vancouver Coastal Health lists intensive-care costs in Vancouver General Hospital at $18,105 per day for non-residents.

“Yan Cen was a person of immense kindness and passion, always eager to help others,” the association fundraiser says.

“His sudden departure has left his family devastated, facing enormous, unexpected financial burdens.”

It said funds would go toward medical, funeral and other costs, with about $44,000 raised by Tuesday afternoon.

The BC Coroners Service says an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Lions Bay Search and Rescue said Saturday’s rescue, involving rope systems and two helicopters, “was a complex, difficult and high-risk operation.”

“This is a deeply tragic outcome, and our thoughts are with everyone affected,” the group said in a social media post.

The rescue team said the female hiker was in a stable condition after being extracted.

— With files by Chuck Chiang in Vancouver

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2026.

Nono Shen, The Canadian Press