A highly respected Edmonton intensive care physician and passionate mountain biker died after a recent cycling accident near Nordegg.
Dr. Darren Markland was fatally injured while cycling at the Black Mountain trail network, 10 km west of Nordegg, on Sunday afternoon.
RCMP said that Rocky Mountain House RCMP was called by EMS about 12:40 p.m. When police arrived, they found the 54-year-old cyclist deceased.
Police said the cause of death is believed to be the result of a cycling accident.
Markland was cycling at Black Mountain, a popular mountain biking area that officially opened last year and has about 26 kms of trails.
Markland's death has been mourned by many in the cycling and health care communities.
He was an intensive care physician at both University Hospital and Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. He was also known as a dedicated public health advocate.
The Nordegg Off Road Cycling Association posted condolences online.
"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragic event," it says. "We stand in solidarity with the rider and their loved ones, as well as the entire biking community during this difficult time."
