The search for a missing university student came to an unfortunate end.

At 1:53 p.m., on Sept. 16, the Airdrie RCMP received confirmation from Jasper National Park Search and Rescue that they had located the body of a male in Norman Creek in Banff National Park. The body was located approximately two kilometres from the trail head where missing camper Jordan Darda’s Ford Ranger was located. Police are confirming that the identity of the body located in Banff National Park is that of 20-year-old Jordan Daniel Darda. The Lake Louise RCMP will be conducting a sudden death investigation; at this time there is no indication of foul play. 

Cst. Francine Hennelly, of the Airdrie RCMP, said that there was no obvious trauma to the body and there would likely be an autopsy done, but she could not confirm when that would be.

“He was not properly equipped for backcountry camping for a long duration,” she added.

At this time the cause of death remains unknown.

On Sept. 9, Airdrie RCMP initiated a missing persons file for 20-year-old Darda. He had told friends and family he was going camping the long weekend of Sept. 4 and 5 and would be returning to Airdrie Sept. 6. Neither family or friends had heard from Darda since Sunday, Sept. 5. Darda had some camping experience and had camped in the area before, but he was not properly equipped for a long outing and was camping alone.

As of Sept. 13, Airdrie General Investigation Section were conducting an extensive investigation and following any potential leads as to Darda’s whereabouts. Due to multiple factors, such as the duration and weather, the RCMP had cause for concern and appealed to the public for assistance in locating Darda.

According to Airdrie RCMP, on Sept. 15, at approximately 12 p.m., Darda’s black Ford Ranger was located by the National Parks search team. Airdrie General Investigation Section was advised that Darda’s truck was located at a trail head in the National Park. Multiple RCMP detachments as well as Canadian Federal Parks co-ordinated a search of the immediate area. The truck was located at Pinto Lake. 

Upon arrival at the scene, a person on the ground told The Fitzhugh that the RCMP would be conducting a search of the area. He said that they were treating the area as a crime scene, but did not say that foul play was suspected. This was confirmed by Cst. Robert Frizzell, of the Airdrie RCMP, who added that it is standard procedure with a situation such as this.

“That is a preventative step so that everything is documented and everything is maintained from the get-go.”

A helicopter arrived on the scene shortly after 12 p.m. Parks employees from B.C. and Alberta, the RCMP and the helicopter pilot discussed the search while consulting a map of the area. Then, Parks employees grabbed gear, including the K-9 Unit, boarded the helicopter and took to the skies.

“We are conducting a full search of the Pinto Lake area, initially along the trail and in the air as well,” said Cst. Frizzell.

Meanwhile, on the ground, an RCMP member, with assistance from a Fish and Wildlife Officer, attempted to gain entry to the Ford Ranger and appeared to be inspecting the vehicle.

If you have any information on this occurrence or any unsolved crime, please contact the Airdrie RCMP Detachment at (403) 945-7200 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestoppers.ab.ca.