Man left with severe injuries while mountain biking in Merry Creek

A 71-year-old man has sustained serious injuries in a mountain biking incident in the Merry Creek recreational area on Sunday afternoon, August 25.

Castlegar RCMP received reports of the incident at around 1 p.m, where the caller informed police they were riding in the area when they encountered a female rider who needed assistance contacting 9-1-1 for her male riding partner.

He had fallen off a log bridge, was unconscious, and had visible injuries with laboured breathing.

Castlegar, Nelson, and Rossland Search and Rescue (SAR) were all dispatched due to the remote location and challenging terrain. A ground team was sent to rescue the injured cyclist, with Nelson SAR requested to assist with a helicopter.

Upon arrival, the rescue team provided first aid to the injured man and prepared him for transport.

He was airlifted in a medical basket to a waiting ambulance and then transported to hospital with serious injuries.

The full extent of his injuries is currently unknown as he continues to receive treatment in hospital.