Zachary N. Coates, a 25-year-old hiker from Calgary, has been missing since Sunday, August 11, 2024, after embarking on a solo hike in Mount Smuts, Kananaskis, Alberta. The last time anyone saw Zachary was around 1:00 PM local time that day, and since then, he hasn’t been in contact with anyone. His phone goes straight to voicemail, leaving his family and friends worried sick.
Zachary’s loved ones have been clinging to hope, praying for his safe return. The community has rallied around them, with thousands sharing his missing person post on social media. Search efforts have been intense, involving motorcycle and helicopter teams, emergency services in Kananaskis, and even the Calgary Police, who are actively searching for any sign of him.
The Search Efforts
Zachary’s grey Toyota Tacoma truck, with a bicycle rack attached, was found parked at the trailhead of Mount Smuts. The bike on the rack is either green, black, or blue, and the truck’s license plate number is 2321. Before he went missing, Zachary was geared up with a white helmet, harness, rope, headlamp, and other hiking essentials, indicating he was well-prepared for his adventure.
Despite these preparations, Zachary has not been found, and his family is desperate for answers. His mother, Tina Butler, shared that her ex-husband’s fiancée informed her of a possible lead—some people had discovered a body, but they have yet to confirm if it’s Zachary.
Reports Suggest a Tragic End
There have been reports that a body was found on the Mount Smuts trail, though it hasn’t been officially verified as Zachary’s. Some sources have already reported his demise, but the family has not confirmed this. A Facebook post shared on August 12 mentioned that Zachary’s mother received unfortunate news, though the body’s identity remains unconfirmed.
As the news spreads, many people have expressed their condolences, fearing the worst—that Zachary may have fallen while climbing the mountain, leading to his tragic death. Despite these fears, the family is still waiting for official confirmation.
Zachary Coates: A Life Full of Promise
Before his disappearance, Zachary Coates was working as a facilities engineer at Cenovus Energy in Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. He had earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador and had worked with several engineering companies, including Canadian Natural Resources Limited, J.D. Irving Limited, and Nalcor Energy.
Zachary lived with his mother, Tina Butler, and his two brothers, including Jackson. His mother, Tina, is a registered nurse at Eastern Health, a pharmaceutical sales professional at Leo Pharma, and the owner of Paradise Guest House, an Airbnb. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Dalhousie University and a Master’s Degree in Family Practice and Nursing from Athabasca University.
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