An online fundraiser has been launched for a Kamloops man who was seriously injured on Sunday while trying to save his step-daughter who was killed after she fell into the Akolkolex Falls near Revelstoke.

Organizer Gordon Leary says Ryan Fisher suffered a number of severe injuries to his head, pelvis, ribs, lungs, spleen, and spine. Leary says Fisher’s 15-year-old step-daughter lost her footing, promoting Ryan to try and save her from falling.

“Unfortunately he was too late and they both toppled over the edge,” Leary said. “As a result Ryan ended up on the rocks 70 feet below and his stepdaughter didn’t survive.”

“After upcoming surgeries Ryan will be in the hospital for some time. Even after he returns home it will take a while for him to return to his work as a craftsman floor layer.”

As of publishing, the GoFundMe fundraiser had raised $7,815 of its $40,000 goal, with the money meant to help to cover Fisher’s living expenses over the next six months.

“Ryan is a one of a kind friend. He is clever, a bit goofy and always there if you need him; the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back in a snowstorm,” Leary added. “Ryan is an amazing, adventurous photographer with an eye for the beauty of the natural world around us. This is where he finds himself most at home.”

“We are appealing to the community to help us give back to someone who gave more than his shirt trying to save his step-daughter.”