Search for Missing Paddleboarders Prompts Provincial Park Closure in Squamish

When a bright‑sunny Saturday turned into a tense afternoon on the Squamish River, the disappearance of two paddleboarders set off a frantic, multi‑agency search that has now forced officials to shut down a nearby provincial park.

It was around 11:30 a.m. on July 28 when a passerby at the river’s low‑water bridge noticed the board‑riders—identified as 32‑year‑old Mark Henderson and his 30‑year‑old sister‑in‑law, Jenna Lee—had not resurfaced after a sudden ripple in the water. The river, swollen from recent rain, was notoriously swift that day, and the pair’s paddleboards were quickly swept downstream.

Within minutes, the Squamish Fire Department called in the provincial search‑and‑rescue team. By early afternoon, a helicopter hovered above the river, a K‑9 unit sniffed the banks, and divers in heavy gear were already in the water, pulling at the murky current for any sign of the missing duo.

Because the river runs through Garibaldi Provincial Park, park officials decided to close a stretch of the trails and the popular picnic area adjacent to the waterway. “We don’t want curious onlookers getting into trouble, and we need space for rescuers to operate safely,” explained park manager Sarah McAllister, who said the closure would remain in place until the search is officially called off.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud splash and seeing a brief flash of bright orange life jackets before the river took over. The sudden, powerful surge—fuelled by upstream runoff—has made recovery efforts especially challenging. “It’s not just a matter of rowing downstream and hoping to find them; the current is too strong, and visibility is low,” said Deputy Chief Ron Davies of the Squamish RCMP.

Volunteers from the local paddling community have also rallied, offering boats, equipment, and moral support. “We’re a close‑knit group out here. When something like this happens, everyone pitches in,” said Alex Morales, a member of the Squamish Paddle Club.

Authorities have asked the public to stay clear of the river and surrounding trails, emphasizing that any extra foot traffic could hinder the ongoing operation. They also urged anyone who may have seen the pair earlier that day—or who might have spotted unusual activity on the water—to contact the rescue coordination centre at 1‑800‑555‑1234.

As night falls, the search will continue with night‑vision equipment and thermal imaging cameras. While the outlook remains uncertain, officials remain hopeful that the coordinated effort will bring answers.

For now, the park’s serene hiking paths sit empty, a silent reminder of how quickly a leisurely day on the water can turn into a race against nature.