Missing Australian hiker dies in Canada after ‘unfortunate hiking accident’

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A missing Australian has been found dead days after she went missing on a hiking trip in Canada.

Julia-Mary Lane, 24, from Brisbane, had been missing for days after going hiking at Bear Lake in British Columbia.

Julia-Mary Lane, 24, was from Brisbane. Credit: Facebook

She had not been heard from by her family or housemate since Saturday, and her car, a Ford Escape SUV, had been found at Bear Lake.

Her housemate Julia Hamilton raised the alarm after Lane failed to return home, saying the disappearance was out of character.

Early on Tuesday morning, Lane’s family posted online they had lost their “beautiful baby girl” in an unfortunate hiking accident.

“Please respect our space to process this incredibly sad news,” the family said online.

Hamilton thanked the community for their help in searching for Lane.

“I feel honoured to have spent time with her this past week, as she was a joy to be around. A truly beautiful soul,” she wrote online.

Julia-Mary Lane.Credit: Facebook

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Kimberley issued a statement saying frontline officers had found Lane’s vehicle before she was found.

“On June 11th, 2023, Kimberley RCMP were alerted to a 25-year-old woman who had not been heard from her roommate since the previous day,” RCMP said.

“The roommate was concerned for the woman, who was visiting the area from Australia, and enjoyed hiking and the outdoors.”

RCMP said search and rescue teams, police dogs and a drone were used in the search.

“Unfortunately, searchers found the woman, deceased. The death is not considered suspicious,” the statement read.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.”

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