Family of dead hiker facing 'enormous' financial burden after B.C. tragedy
B.C.’s outdoor community is coming together to support the family of a hiker who died after a tragic trip to a North Shore mountain.
Yan Cen, known to his friends as “Rock,” was visiting from China and taking part in a group outing on Brunswick Mountain near Lions Bay in the Sea to Sky Region.
According to a GoFundMe organized by the Pacific Northwest Outdoor Association (PNOA), Cen lost his life after attempting to rescue a fellow hiker who was in danger.
The incident took place on Saturday, March 21, with North Shore Rescue called out to assist Lions Bay SAR with the rescue of two hikers who had slipped and fallen on Mount Brunswick.
North Shore Rescue
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“A group of 14 hikers were hiking the trail when one hiker slipped and fell a significant distance and injured herself,” posted North Shore Rescue on social media.
“A second person in the hiking party attempted to climb down to her but he slipped and fell a significant distance and became seriously injured. North Shore Rescue members were hoisted down to the male subject, who was lower down in very steep terrain above a waterfall.”
Cen, who was later identified online as the second person who attempted to help the original hiker who had slipped, was taken to the hospital in critical condition and passed away the next day.
North Shore Rescue
“Yan Cen was a person of immense kindness and passion, always eager to help others,” added PNOA in the donation-protected GoFundMe. Cen was a member of the non-profit outdoor organization.
“His sudden departure has left his family devastated, facing enormous, unexpected financial burdens. Your contributions will directly cover the overwhelming non-resident ICU medical bills from VGH, the required legal and administrative procedures, [and] the costs of local funeral services.”
According to Vancouver Coastal Health’s patient rate list effective Nov. 1, 2025, non-residents must pay $18,105 per day at Vancouver General Hospital for intensive-care costs.
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As of press time, the fundraiser had reached over $56,000 towards its $80,000 goal. PNOA added that 100 per cent of the funds will go toward essential expenses.
The association also posted a tribute to “Rock” on social media, calling him a dear friend.
“In a moment of crisis, he didn’t hesitate—he sacrificed his own safety to rescue a teammate in danger,” said PNOA. “He lived the true spirit of the outdoor community, looking out for others until his very last breath.
“Let us come together—with love and action—to honour his memory, and to remind his family that they are not alone. We are all here with them.”
North Shore Rescue has been kept busy this winter, with a stranded hiker ending up needing a nighttime rescue with only 1 per cent battery life left on her smartphone.