All safety measures were in working order when a California teen fell 30-metres to his death from a viewing deck at North Vancouver's Capilano Suspension Bridge this weekend, police say.
"One thing that is clear from our investigation to this point is that all the safety procedures, sights and railings were in place and were functioning at the time of his death last night," North Vancouver RCMP Constable Michael McLaughlin said at a press conference on Monday.
The 17-year-old was visiting the suspension bridge as part of a school trip. Just after 7 p.m. on Sunday, the boy plunged off a viewing deck that is surrounded by a 1.2-metre railing just north of the bridge on the west side of the park. He landed on the riverbank below.
Rescue workers rappelled off the side of the cliff to reach the boy, but he died on the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
RCMP are not releasing further details about the teen or how he fell until investigators speak to his parents, who arrived in Vancouver on Monday.
Aragon High School in San Mateo, Calif., sent out a statement on Monday confirming one of the school's students died at the Capilano Suspension Bridge on Sunday. The teen was part of a concert band touring Canada.
"The staff and students involved in this trip are going to receive any help they may need as they deal with this very sad situation," Matthew Biggar, associate superintendent of San Mateo Union High School District, said in the statement.
Rescue calls at the suspension bridge and the surrounding Capilano Canyon area are common due the high number of tourists and hikers that use the area, said Victor Penman of the North Vancouver Fire Department.
Recreation in the area doesn't have to end in tragedy, Mr. Penman said. He added that anyone entering wilderness areas should dress appropriately, bring a partner, have a phone, and respect signs indicating dangerous areas.
"The key is to stay within the established boundaries, not to wander even near the boundaries or on the boundaries, just stay within the established boundaries and you should never encounter an incident of this nature."
The park's well-groomed and railed boardwalks meander along the edge of the canyon. The central feature of the popular North Vancouver tourist attraction is a 137-meter-long swaying, suspension bridge 70 meters above the Capilano River. Several viewing decks on both sides of the canyon offer views of Grouse Mountain and the river below.
Fire and rescue officials from the North Vancouver and West Vancouver fire departments praised the safety standards of the bridge at a press conference on Monday.
"We have a very good safety record," said park spokeswoman Sue Kaffka. "This is a real tragedy and our condolences go to the family, the school and the students."
The bridge attracts 2,500 people daily during the month of June. The number peaks around 4,000 on summer weekends.
Despite the weekend tragedy, the tourist attraction was open on Monday.
The decision to keep the park open came after the RCMP confirmed that there were no safety issues with the site, Ms. Kaffka said.
"Ninety-nine per cent of our visitors on a weekday would be from outside British Columbia," she said. "We decided to keep business as usual for the benefit of those pre-booked guests and the guests that are here on vacation."
Visitors from all over North America flocked to the attraction on Monday, many of whom did not know about the tragedy.
Patrick McNamara braved the bridge with his partner and three-year-old daughter. The family learned of the teen's death after they left the park, but it didn't change Mr. McNamara's opinion of the experience.
"It was very pleasant and very secure," he said. "There's no way you can fall off accidentally."
Raj Bulchandani was visiting Vancouver from North Carolina and said he was not worried about safety at the bridge.
"It's just destiny," he said of the incident. "Whatever's meant to happen, happens."