Canadian paraglider Megan Elizabeth cremated after October 2025 accident
Megan Elizabeth, a 27-year-old Canadian paraglider, lost her life after a crash landing in Himachal Pradesh's Dhauladhar mountains in October 2025.
She took off from Bir-Billing—famous among adventure seekers—but was forced to land about 40km away at 4,000 meters, likely due to sudden weather changes or a glider malfunction, according to BPA founder-director Suresh Thakur.
Reserve glider deployed; suffered severe injuries, exposure
Rescue teams searched extensively and eventually found Megan's body in a rocky area.
She had deployed her reserve glider before landing but suffered severe injuries and exposure, according to the BPA director.
Her remains were brought down over 1,000 meters and airlifted for an autopsy.
Megan, an experienced solo flyer, was cremated in Bir with Hindu rites on Tuesday.
Review safety protocols at Bir-Billing
Megan's accident follows more than a dozen similar tragedies involving foreign pilots in the area in recent years.
Two other foreign paragliders were rescued from tough spots around the same time.
There are now calls for local authorities to review safety protocols at Bir-Billing to help prevent future accidents.