FILE PHOTO: The morning sun shines on the snow cap of Mount Temple’s imposing Hulk on Sunday, September 2, 2007. Ted Rhodes/Postmedia

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A hiker who died after falling more than 1,000 meters from Mount Temple near Lake Louise has been identified as Edmonton man Matt Miller. Miller, 42, was the Edmonton Lexus dealer, which released a statement on social media Monday. “It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our principal and good friend, Matt Miller,” read a statement on their Instagram and Facebook accounts. Bruce Kirkland, president and CEO of Lexus of Edmonton, confirmed in an email that Miller died in the hiking accident.

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Miller was with a group of experienced hikers Saturday when he lost his footing while climbing the mountain and slipped on a patch of snow and ice, according to RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff. “Early reports indicate that the person fell from a ledge — a snow overhang from a slope — and fell a considerable distance,” Savinkoff said. Emergency services, including Lake Louise RCMP, Lake Louise Fire Rescue and Parks Canada, responded just before noon. Using the Parks Canada helicopter, emergency responders found the man about 1,005 meters from where he first fell, RCMP Const. Lauren Mowbray said in a press release Monday. Miller had succumbed to injuries sustained in the fall.

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Parks Canada says the prominent triangular-shaped peak above the village of Lake Louise is a popular climb because it is one of the highest peaks in the region. Several accidents have occurred on Mount Temple, its website says, with the best trail conditions after the winter snow has completely melted from the summit, usually by mid-July. Tim Ricci, director of operations for Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, described the hike to the top of Mount Temple as an expert-level challenge. Yamnuska was not part of the tragic weekend expedition and the company is not accepting bookings until July 24 for Mount Temple. “It’s a long day where you would need advanced and specialized skills to get to that top,” he said. “Sounds like they were experienced hikers and mountain climbers. It’s a tragic event for everyone and certainly shocks the community.”

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Parks Canada’s latest trail conditions report says hiking the Sentinel Pass Link near the base of Mount Temple is “not recommended” with “steep snow slopes and high-elevation snow.” Miller was born and raised south of Kitschooty, Alta., 20 minutes west of Lloydminster. He played hockey with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades and three years in Junior A hockey. He played one season of professional hockey before finishing with two years at the University of New Brunswick. He joined Lexus of Edmonton in 2006 and, according to the company’s website, enjoyed surfing, tennis, playing guitar and working toward his pilot’s license. [email protected] Twitter: @JoshAldrich03 [email protected] Twitter: @BabychStephanie

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