On August 24, 2025, a harrowing incident unfolded on the rugged slopes of Tricouni Peak near Squamish, British Columbia, when 29-year-old hiker Margaux Cohen plummeted nearly 60 feet while attempting to save her beloved dog, Zion, from a dangerous slide. The accident, which left Cohen with a broken leg and severe facial injuries, occurred during a routine hike with friends, highlighting the deep bond between pet owners and their animals, as well as the inherent risks of backcountry exploration. Miraculously, both Cohen and Zion survived the fall, but the ordeal has sparked renewed conversations about trail safety and the lengths to which people will go to protect their pets.
Cohen, an avid hiker and Vancouver resident known for sharing her mountain adventures on social media, had just summited Tricouni Peak, a challenging 6,945-foot peak in the Coast Mountains, with her friend Max Stobbe and his cousin. The trio, accompanied by Cohen’s German Shepherd mix, Zion, had enjoyed a clear day with stunning views of the surrounding Garibaldi Provincial Park. Tricouni Peak, known for its steep, rocky terrain and lack of a well-defined trail in some sections, is a favorite among experienced hikers seeking solitude and breathtaking vistas. The group had reached the summit without incident, celebrating their accomplishment with photos and a brief rest before beginning their descent.
The trouble began approximately 200 meters below the summit as the group realized they had strayed off the main trail. Consulting a map, they identified a nearby outcropping—a small, rocky “wall” that appeared to offer a straightforward path back to the trail. Stobbe descended first, and Cohen handed Zion down to him, ensuring the dog’s safety. As Cohen prepared to follow, Zion, a 70-pound dog known for his agility on trails, slipped on loose scree and began sliding down the steep slope. Acting on instinct, Cohen lunged to grab his harness, hoping to halt his fall. “I didn’t think twice,” she later told reporters from her hospital bed. “Zion is my family, and I couldn’t let him go.” Tragically, the dog’s momentum pulled her off balance, sending both tumbling down the rocky incline.
The fall was not a sheer drop but a series of violent tumbles, with Cohen striking rocks multiple times over the 60-foot descent. “It wasn’t a straight fall,” she recounted. “I tumbled four times, maybe 20 feet at a time, hitting my face on rocks and rolling again.” Despite the chaos, Cohen remained conscious, immediately noticing the unnatural angle of her leg. “I looked down and knew something was wrong,” she said. Her face was bloodied, with deep cuts and bruises, and her leg was later confirmed to have a compound fracture of the tibia. Zion, remarkably, emerged with only minor scrapes, his harness and thick fur offering some protection. Stobbe and his cousin, unharmed, quickly called for help, their shouts echoing in the remote wilderness.
The rescue operation was swift but challenging due to Tricouni Peak’s rugged terrain. Squamish Search and Rescue (SAR) was dispatched at approximately 3:00 p.m., reaching the group within two hours. Cohen, in significant pain but alert, was stabilized on-site by paramedics before being airlifted by helicopter to Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver. The operation required precision, as the rocky slope offered little room for error. “We’re trained for these scenarios, but it’s always intense when someone’s hurt in such a remote area,” said SAR team leader Emily Chen. Zion, shaken but mobile, was carried down by Stobbe, who refused to leave the dog behind. “Margaux would’ve killed me if I didn’t bring him,” he later joked, though his relief was palpable.
At Lions Gate Hospital, Cohen underwent emergency surgery to repair her broken leg, which required pins and a metal plate. Doctors described her facial injuries as severe but non-life-threatening, with stitches needed for deep lacerations. As of September 3, 2025, she remains hospitalized, facing months of recovery and physical therapy. “I’m just grateful we’re both alive,” she said, stroking Zion, who has been allowed to visit her bedside. Her mother, reached three days after the incident, took a pragmatic view: “She’s been hiking for seven years without a single accident. This was her version of a car crash—it happens when you live in the mountains.”
The incident has resonated deeply in British Columbia’s tight-knit hiking community, where Cohen is a familiar figure through her Instagram posts showcasing hikes across the Coast Mountains. Her story of risking her life for Zion has struck a chord, with many praising her devotion. “That’s what you do for your dog,” one commenter wrote on a local hiking forum. “They’re not just pets—they’re partners.” Others, however, have used the incident to highlight the dangers of hiking with dogs in technical terrain, especially on trails like Tricouni, which lacks clear markings in some areas. “Dogs can be unpredictable on loose rock,” said veteran hiker Liam Foster. “It’s a reminder to keep them leashed or avoid risky sections altogether.”
The accident has also prompted renewed calls for improved trail safety in British Columbia’s backcountry. Tricouni Peak, while not as popular as nearby Stawamus Chief or Garibaldi Lake, is known for its challenging conditions, including loose scree and steep drops. Local authorities have faced criticism for inadequate signage, with some arguing that better trail markers could have prevented the group from straying off-path. The BC Parks Service, in response, announced plans to review trail conditions at Tricouni and other remote peaks, emphasizing the need for hikers to carry GPS devices and emergency beacons. “This could have been much worse,” said a spokesperson. “We urge everyone to prepare for the unexpected.”
Cohen’s story has also shed light on the emotional bond between hikers and their dogs, a common sight on British Columbia’s trails. Zion, who has joined Cohen on countless adventures, is trained for hiking, wearing a sturdy Ruffwear harness designed for rugged terrain. Yet, even experienced hikers like Cohen can face split-second decisions with life-altering consequences. “I don’t regret grabbing him,” she said. “I’d do it again, even knowing the outcome.” Her words echo the sentiments of many in the hiking community, where dogs are often seen as integral to the outdoor experience. Local pet stores in Squamish have reported increased demand for hiking harnesses and paw protection gear, as owners seek to better equip their dogs for the trails.
The broader conversation around trail safety has gained traction in Vancouver, where hiking is a way of life for many. Social media platforms have buzzed with tips for hiking with dogs, including using leashes on steep sections, carrying first-aid kits for both humans and pets, and checking trail conditions in advance. The Squamish Chief, a local newspaper, launched a campaign encouraging hikers to share safety stories, with Cohen’s incident as a centerpiece. “Margaux’s bravery and her love for Zion are inspiring, but they’re also a wake-up call,” the editor wrote. Community groups have also organized fundraisers to support Cohen’s recovery, raising over $15,000 to cover medical bills and rehabilitation costs.
As Cohen recovers, she remains optimistic, already planning her return to the mountains. “This won’t stop me,” she said, her voice firm despite her injuries. “Zion and I have more peaks to conquer.” Her friends have rallied around her, with Stobbe creating a “Team Zion” hashtag to share updates on her progress. The hiking community has also honored her with messages of support, many noting her courage in prioritizing her dog’s safety. A local outdoor shop in Squamish even offered to sponsor Zion with new gear, calling him “the luckiest dog in BC.”
The incident on Tricouni Peak serves as a powerful reminder of the risks and rewards of backcountry hiking. For Cohen, the fall was a moment of instinct driven by love—a decision that nearly cost her life but saved her dog’s. As British Columbia’s trails continue to draw adventurers, her story underscores the need for preparation, caution, and respect for the unpredictable power of nature. For now, Cohen and Zion are on the mend, their bond stronger than ever, a testament to the lengths we go for those we hold dear, even in the face of danger.
