A Quebec man has been rescued from the BC backcountry after nine days stranded near Kicking Horse Mountain Resort; his wife’s body was also recovered.

Search and rescue crews spotted an SOS symbol and someone waving, nine days after the couple went missing. According to reports, helicopter pilots had spotted the symbol at least twice during the nine days, but because no one had been reported missing and no vehicles were left in the parking lot, the sign had been determined old.

The couple was not reported missing until February 23 when they failed to return from a vacation in Banff, AB.

An autopsy is underway to determine the woman’s cause of death; exposure is speculated.

Photo: McPhee/Kicking Horse Mountain Resort