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Fatal fall on Coquihalla Highway

Merritt man fell down steep embankment 30 kilometres north of Hope

A Merritt man has died after falling down a cliff 30 kilometres north of Hope on Highway 5 Tuesday morning.

Police said Steven Robert Thomas, 51, was climbing down the steep embankment to take a photograph of a waterfall when he lost his footing and fell about 30 feet. He was transported by air ambulance to Royal Columbian Hospital in critical condition, but succumbed to his head injuries early Wednesday morning.

"This is so tragic," said Const. Tracy Wolbeck. "Our hearts and thoughts are with the victim's family at this very difficult time."