Highlining Tragedy Sparks Safety Warning

By Elke Porter | WBN News Sea to Sky | May 23, 2025
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A promising young athlete has lost her life in a highlining accident near Squamish, B.C., shedding light on the serious risks associated with the extreme sport. The 22-year-old woman, a recent graduate of the University of British Columbia (UBC), died on May 16 after falling approximately 80 metres while attempting to cross a rigged 420-metre line at Chek Canyon.

The International Slackline Association (ISA) confirmed the tragic event in a statement, explaining that the woman had untied herself to adjust the tension on the line and later forgot to reattach her safety leash before rolling back out. She fell 30 metres away from the anchor point.

According to the ISA, the cause—failing to tie back into the leash—is the leading cause of death in highlining. Despite the presence of safety protocols and seasoned peers at these gatherings, even experienced athletes can make fatal errors. This incident, described by the ISA as "a trying and difficult time for the community," serves as a somber reminder of the importance of meticulous safety checks.

The victim was remembered as “bright” and “brave,” with a deep passion for both people and the sport. She had begun her highlining journey in 2023 and was entering her third season with enthusiasm and aspirations of longer crossings, including a planned 880-metre line later this year.

While slacklining can be a rewarding and exhilarating activity, especially in adventure hotspots like Squamish, this tragedy highlights the razor-thin margin for error in highlining. It’s not a sport to approach casually—proper training, equipment, and buddy checks are non-negotiable.

Those considering highlining are urged to understand the risks thoroughly and prioritize safety above all else. This death is a heartbreaking reminder that even a momentary oversight can have irreversible consequences.

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