Yan Cen died trying to save another hiker. Now, his family faces huge medical bills. Photo: GoFundMe
On March 21, a hiker fell from Brunswick Mountain, a peak near Metro Vancouver, British Columbia. She was with an outdoor adventure group when the accident happened, but sadly, another member of the group who tried to rescue her lost his life in the attempt. Now, his family is facing massive medical bills.
According to reports, Yan Cen, known as “Rock” to his friends, was visiting from China. He joined the group of 14 hikers, expecting a fun day while on vacation. Instead, though, he met his end. Lions Bay Search and Rescue told reporters that the incident occurred when Rock tried to climb down about 65 feet to where the first victim was, but he slipped and fell even farther down the slope. He came to a stop above a waterfall.
When rescue teams were called, they needed two helicopters and rope systems to extract the pair in what they called “a complex, difficult, and high-risk operation.” When the female hiker was pulled out, she was listed in stable condition. Sadly, though, Yan Cen was not. He died in the hospital the following day.
“This is a deeply tragic outcome,” wrote Lions Bay SAR on Facebook, “and our thoughts are with everyone affected.”
Now, the Pacific NorthWest Outdoor Association has set up an online fundraiser to offset the costs that come with a hospital stay for a non-resident. According to CTV News, “Vancouver Coastal Health lists intensive-care costs in Vancouver General Hospital at $18,105 per day for non-residents.”
“Yan Cen was a person of immense kindness and passion, always eager to help others,” they wrote on GoFundMe. “His sudden departure has left his family devastated, facing enormous, unexpected financial burdens. Your contributions will directly cover the overwhelming non-resident ICU medical bills from VGH, the required legal and administrative procedures, and the costs of local funeral services.”
