Skip to content

Calgary police identify human remains found in Banff National Park

Calgary police have confirmed that the human remains found in Banff National Park last week belong to a Chestermere woman reported missing nearly three years ago.

BANFF NATIONAL PARK – Calgary police have confirmed the human remains found in Banff National Park last week belong to a Chestermere woman reported missing nearly three years ago.

Vida Smith, 69, was reported missing by family in July 2020 when she failed to return to her home after a trip to Calgary from Chestermere, according to authorities.

“Since then, we have worked tirelessly to locate Smith’s remains, and in October 2022, we received information about a possible location,” states a Calgary Police Services press release. “Due to weather conditions and the terrain in the area, it was not possible to conduct a search during the winter months.”

On May 9, Calgary police and RCMP revisited the site, located near the Valleyview rest stop off the eastbound Trans-Canada Highway, east of Banff and adjacent to the Legacy Trail on the south side of the highway, where they located the remains in a wooded area in the morning.

One man has already been arrested by police in connection with Smith's death.

Kevin Barton, also known as Chris Lee, was charged with one count of manslaughter on July 31, 2020. He was later convicted in November 2022.

An autopsy on Thursday (May 11) confirmed Smith's identity and police say no further details will be released.

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks