Tragedy struck The Amazing Race family this week as contestant Kenneth McAlpine has died at the age of 28, following an 823 foot fall off of a cliff. News broke that McAlpine had been found dead in British Columbia on Tuesday after hiking alone on a mountain in the Kootenay region called Mount Gimli. The fall was called "substantial" by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who do not think foul play was involved.
Reports indicate Kenneth McAlpine went out hiking alone on his 28th birthday and was expected to return to his home in Rossland, British Columbia by 7 p.m. in the evening that Monday. A search and rescue mission was undergone on Monday and led into Tuesday morning, when McAlpine's body was found after having fallen down the front face of the mountain from where he had been hiking. McAlpine's body was located around 11 a.m., according to South Columbia Search and Rescue. The search and rescue operation included those from the South Columbia, Kaslo, Rossland and Nelson Sar areas.
Kenneth McAlpine appeared on the fifth season of The Amazing Race Canada. He was a notable contestant on the reality show, making it to the end of the season and ending up in second place with his partner on the series Ryan Lachapelle, a friend of his. The two allegedly have gone on speaking tours about their time on the show, telling people second place still taught them a lot.
The Amazing Race Canada has already spoken out and paid tribute to the former contestant on Facebook, speaking out about the star's "infectious" personality that shone during his time on television (and presumably in his personal life).
At home, the former Amazing Race contestant worked at a restaurant in Rossland, head chef Gabriella Pelli Lapointe confirmed to Global News.
Originally a CBS series in the United States, The Amazing Race has grown in popularity worldwide. Contestants have participated on versions of the show in myriad countries, including Canada but also Ecuador, Australia and New Zealand, Vietnam, Norway, China, Latin America and elsewhere. The Canadian version has aired seven seasons so far and Kenneth McAlpine appeared in the fifth iteration. The American version of The Amazing Race has run much longer and will be heading into Season 32 this year. The new cycle is likely to start airing in the new year.
Kenneth McAlpine's father, Malcolm McAlpine, said his son "packed a lot in," also calling him "brave" and a "pretty cool guy." The reality star also spent a lot of time out-of-doors and was experienced with hiking. He died doing an activity he loved, although the news is likely still devastating for his family and friends, who will miss him dearly. Our thoughts go out to them during this difficult time.
