At only 52 years old, Constable Greg Pichler passed away suddenly while on the hill at Powder King Resort Jan. 13.
Pichler (pronounced PEESH-ler), a member of the local RCMP detachment who was not on duty at the time, collapsed on the mountain and died from unknown causes.
According to the BC Coroner's Service, Pichler was skiing towards the top of the mountain when he complained of not feeling well and collapsed.
People at the scene attempted to resuscitate him, but were unsuccessful and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The death appears to be from natural causes, and the Coroner's Service said they found no evidence of suicide, accident or foul play.
A 17-year member of the RCMP, Pichler had worked across the northern parts of the province, beginning in Prince George.
Pichler then went to Alexis Creek, Tsay Keh and more recently came to Fort St. James, where he has been stationed for one and a half years.
While in Fort St. James, Pichler was an active member of the community, and coordinated the most successful Cops for Cancer dinner event yet at the Stone's Pub last fall which raised over $6,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Pichler organized the event around the shaving of moustaches and other body hair and Pichler was always easily identifiable with his own characteristic moustache coupled with his shaved head.
An avid cyclist as well as skier, Pichler had ridden the Cops for Cancer Tour de North for 10 years, and also played supportive roles in the ride by helping to mechanic and fixing bikes to sell before the ride to raise funds.
In an interview about the ride, Pichler spoke about cycling as almost a metaphysical experience, and the reward of seeing others improve and find a passion for cycling.
A dog lover, Pichler could often be seen around the community with his dog Fred, and socialized with the broader community, enjoying the Music on the Mountain Festival last summer, where he camped out for the weekend
Pichler also had two sons, both in their twenties. A memorial for Pichler was held in Prince George over the weekend.
Related stories on Pichler:
Cops for Cancer Fundraiser
Moustache massacre makes money for cancer