B.C. backcountry ski guides sued over fatal 2016 avalanche

Almost exactly two years ago, a group ofbackcountry skiers wascaught in an avalanche near Golden, B.C. Several peoplewere injured and 64-year-old Douglas Churchillfrom Canmorewas killed.

Now, his widow, Sheila Churchill who was in the group is suing the guides, the resort, an employee and the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG).

• 13 people involved in another avalanche near Golden, B.C.
• Canmore man caught in Golden avalanche Sunday dies from injuries
• Douglas James Churchill ID'd as Golden avalanche victim

Churchill filed a notice of civil claim in B.C. Supreme Court on Friday. In it, she claims damages as an injured member of the 10-member groupand also as the representative of Douglas Churchill's Estate.

The lawsuit names ACMG-certifiedguideNicholas Rapaich, Colin Smith, who was allegedly working as a so-called 'tail guide' during the avalanche, the resort Golden Alpine Holidays, Inc., and a resort employee,Cody Lank, who Churchill claims was with the group.

According to Churchill's claim, the 10-person group was on a week-long backcountry skiing trip when an avalanche on the slope known as Hogzillacaught the group and their guides. One skierwas able to avoid it. Churchill claims five people were completely buried and five were partially buried by the snow.

CBC News reported at the time that Douglas Churchill was airlifted to Calgaryin critical conditionbut died of his injuries.

Churchill claims she was partially buried and suffered significant injuries, including knee issues that continue today.

The statement of claim accuses Rapaich and Smith of unilaterally exercising their discretion and power over the clients in a way that caused Sheila Churchill's injuries and her husband's death.

Churchill claims the death and injuries were caused by negligence, criminal negligence, breaches of fiduciary duties and breaches of contract. In particular, she says the group was not informed of known avalanche predictions, the guides ignored the results of "approach-slope stability analysis,"chose an improper descent route, and triggered the avalanche.

Churchill's claims have not been proven in court. None of the defendants has yet filed a statement of defence.

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