Missing Australian Woman Found Dead After ‘Unfortunate’ Hiking Accident in Canada

An Australian hiker was found dead in Canada after a search conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

According to the Guardian, Julia-Mary Lane of Brisbane was reported missing on June 11 when she traveled to British Columbia for a week-long road trip to Bear Lake near Kimberley but did not return as expected.

The outlet said that she had been living in Canmore, Alberta, since the start of the year.

The RCMP confirmed her death on Tuesday, stating that it appeared accidental.

"Unfortunately, searchers found the woman deceased," RCMP said in a statement. "The death is not considered suspicious."

RCMP corporal James Grandy told the Guardian that they believe "steep terrain" played a part in Lane's death.

"All evidence of the scene shows she accidentally maybe lost her footing," he said.

The coroner's service is currently investigating the incident.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased," police said.

In comments shared on social media, Lane's loved ones said they were still "processing the news."

"We have lost our beautiful baby girl, Julia-Mary RIP in an unfortunate hiking accident," they wrote in a comment on the Kimberley Cork Board Facebook page.

Lane's Canadian housemate, Janet Hamilton, initially contacted the family when Lane did not return from her trip.

"Thank you everyone in this wonderful community for all your help and support over the past two days in the search for Julia-Mary," Hamilton wrote on Facebook on Monday.

She added: "I feel honoured to have spent time with her this past week, as she was a joy to be around. A truly beautiful soul."

The search for Lane involved police dogs and a drone.

Before her hike, Lane had posted in a Facebook group asking for recommendations for local walks, per Australia's Nine News.

She said she preferred to join a group to minimize the risk of encountering bears.