Nearly a month after an American tourist disappeared into the rushing waters of Johnston Canyon, the body of the 25-year-old has been recovered, Parks Canada said Tuesday.
Pavlo Shemchuk was visiting Banff with his cousin and best friend in early May, and during a trip to Johnston Canyon he jumped into the water. Friends identified Shemchuk as the man who jumped into the waters near the popular tourist attraction's lower falls on May 1 and never resurfaced.
On Tuesday, Parks Canada said a body had been recovered and the area reopened to the public after the discovery led to the closure of the trail 30 minutes west of Banff town.
"Mid-day on May 26, a body was reported in the Johnston Creek downstream of the lower pool of the Lower Falls, and Parks Canada initiated recovery efforts," said a press release from Parks Canada. "Parks Canada extends its sincere condolences to the individual's family and loved ones during this difficult time."
Shemchuk, a native of Ukraine who moved to the U.S. a decade ago, was visiting Banff with his cousin and best friend in early May, and during a trip to Johnston Canyon he jumped into the water. Following Shemchuk's disappearance, recovery efforts were deemed too dangerous in the frigid, fast-moving high waters and, after two days of searching, were suspended.
The missing man's family had found a California diver who was an expert at recovery and were hoping he would aid in the effort to find him. "Until we actually have his body, it's very difficult to grieve," Shemchuk's girlfriend, Nicolette Babbe, said earlier this month. "It's very difficult to get sleep at night."
The tragic incident highlights the dangers of swift-moving water in mountain streams, especially during spring runoff. Parks Canada reminds visitors to stay on designated trails and obey all warning signs near waterways.
