'Amazing Race Canada' Star Dead After 800 Ft Fall During Solo Birthday Hike

A hiker found dead on a mountain in British Columbia, Canada has been identified as outdoorsman Kenneth McAlpine, a well-liked contestant on The Amazing Race Canada.

McAlpine (pictured above, with his dog) died while hiking alone on Mount Gimli in BC’s Kootenay region on Monday, according to his family. Tragically, Monday was also McAlpine’s 28th birthday.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed the death was caused by “a substantial fall,” as they continue to investigate the event.

Police and search-and-rescue teams first began looking for the former reality TV star on Monday night after he failed to return to his Rossland, BC home by 7:00 p.m., as he had planned. Friends filed a missing person report, and search teams sprung into action. Officials found McAlpine’s body on Tuesday morning, and eventually identified him on Wednesday.

The outdoorsman apparently fell more than 800 feet to his death off the front face of the mountain during his hike, though it’s unclear at this point how the fall occurred. According to Global News, the BC Coroners Service does not suspect foul play is involved. Authorities are still investigating the death late this week, though, including interviews with other hikers who were on the mountain at the time.

McAlpine’s father Malcolm spoke to the news outlet about his son, describing the 28-year-old as “a passionate man who lived life to the fullest.” Clearly proud of his son, Malcolm fondly remembered him in the interview, saying:

“He packed a lot in, that’s for sure. He embraced life, he was brave and he was a pretty cool guy. Someone told me, ‘He was the kind of guy you’d want your daughter to marry.’ Everyone loved him. He made his mark.”

So inspiring — but obviously so sad.

Kenneth rose to fame in 2017 when he and friend Ryan Lachapelle formed TEAM GIVE’R and eventually finished in second place in Season Five of the Canadian travel adventure show. The two were so popular on camera, they even went on speaking tours after their near-win, sharing adventure stories with students and inspiring young people across the country.

On Wednesday, the show posted its own tribute to McAlpine on its Facebook page, noting how the adventurer’s “infectious personality left a lasting impression not only on us but with viewers across the country,” and sharing more in tribute (below):

https://www.facebook.com/AmazingRaceCDA/posts/1149499588569593

Such a tragedy to lose somebody who clearly lived his life to the fullest.

Our thoughts are with McAlpine’s family, friends, and loved ones as they grapple with news of his unexpected death.

R.I.P. Kenneth.

[Image via Kenneth McAlpine/Instagram]