The unexpected always seems to hit us right where we’re most vulnerable. That’s what struck me yesterday as I watched dozens gather at Bowness Park to remember Sarah Renwick, the 22-year-old woman who lost her life in last week’s devastating rock slide at Bow Glacier Falls.
The evening sun cast long shadows across the park as friends, family, and colleagues huddled together, many clutching flowers and photos. Sarah, a recent University of Calgary graduate with a bright future ahead, was hiking with friends when the unthinkable happened – a sudden rock slide that claimed her life and injured several others.
“Sarah had this infectious energy about her,” said Michael Chen, who had worked with her at a local non-profit where she volunteered. “She’d walk into a room and suddenly everyone felt more alive. That’s just who she was.”
The memorial wasn’t just about mourning. Between tears, I witnessed genuine laughter as stories of Sarah’s adventurous spirit and kindness circulated through the crowd. Her former professor, Dr. Amanda Williams, recalled a student who “questioned everything in the most wonderful way.”
Parks Canada officials confirm the area around Bow Glacier Falls remains closed as geologists assess the stability of the surrounding terrain. The initial investigation suggests unusually heavy rainfall in recent weeks may have contributed to the slide, though officials caution that a comprehensive report will take time.
What struck me most was the diverse crowd that gathered – colleagues from her part-time job at Mountain Equipment Co-op stood alongside professors, high school friends, and fellow hikers who had never met her but felt compelled to show support.
“The outdoor community in Calgary feels this deeply,” explained Jasmine Singh, an avid hiker who organized the memorial. “When something like this happens, it reminds us all of the unpredictable nature of the wilderness we love.”
The tragedy has prompted renewed discussions about safety in our mountain parks. Calgary Mountain Rescue volunteer Thomas Henderson, who was at the memorial, noted that while such events are rare, preparation remains essential.
“The mountains don’t care about your experience level,” Henderson told me, his weathered face solemn. “Even the most prepared hikers can be caught in these situations. It’s not about fear – it’s about respect.”
Parks Canada has recorded only three fatal rock slides in the Bow Glacier area in the past decade, making last week’s incident a statistical anomaly. Yet for those who knew Sarah, statistics offer little comfort.
The memorial concluded with a tradition I’ve seen become increasingly common in our outdoor community – attendees placed painted stones in a circle, each bearing a message or memory of Sarah. These will later be placed along various trails she loved, a lasting tribute to her passion for the mountains.
As I walked back to my car, I couldn’t help but reflect on how our Calgary community comes together in times of tragedy. In a city known for its proximity to natural beauty, we understand the delicate balance between embracing adventure and respecting nature’s power.
Sarah’s family has established a scholarship fund in her name at the University of Calgary’s Environmental Science department, ensuring her passion for conservation continues to inspire future generations.
Sometimes it takes tragedy to remind us of what truly matters. For the people gathered at Bowness Park yesterday, what mattered was honoring a young life cut short – and finding meaning in how we move forward together.
