by Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

FORT SIMPSON (Aug 08/97) - A weekend stop to view Sambaa Deh Falls proved deadly for a Fort Liard man Saturday night.

Kevin Bertrand, 30, fell into the Trout River directly above Sambaa Deh falls around 10 p.m. Saturday night. Witnesses say the popular fire crew chief slipped after stepping on a ledge only centimetres from the edge of the river.

He was quickly swept away and as of Tuesday, his body had yet to be recovered.

It is believed to be next to impossible for a human to survive a trip over the falls and into the rocky gorge.

On Sunday, Bertrand's brothers were still on hand at the river, faced with the grim task of dredging the river for the body.

"I hope we find him soon," Harold Bertrand told the Drum in a subdued voice Sunday afternoon. "We can't give up ... I told him not to make the trip."

Besides RCMP from Fort Simpson, staff from the Canadian Coast Guard, Parks Canada and a large contingent of volunteers from Fort Liard joined in the search.

"The police did everything they could," said volunteer Jim Deneron of Fort Liard on Sunday at the site. "They did about 12 trips by helicopter to the Mackenzie (River)."

Deneron said that Bertrand was part of group from Fort Liard travelling to Fort Providence for Mackenzie Daze. They had stopped at the falls to stretch their legs and rest before moving on.

There are also unconfirmed reports that another man in Bertrand's party also slipped into the river but managed to get out in time. As of press time, this couldn't be confirmed.

On Tuesday, Fort Simpson RCMP said they were still looking for Bertrand.

"We found two articles of clothing and our search is continuing," said RCMP Const. Rick Lebeuf.

This year's rains have meant the waters of the Trout River are higher and faster than normal.

There are no railings in place at the site.