When a River Becomes a Tragic Backdrop
It’s the 2018 drama that still echoes on the feeds of those who followed the “High on Life” crew. A wild day at Shannon Falls turned into a nightmare when three friends—Ryker Gamble, Alexey Lyakh, and Megan Scraper—disappeared in the towering rush of water.
The Falls That Lured Them
- Shannon Falls stands at a staggering 335 metres (1,100 feet).
- They were 50 kilometres from Vancouver, in the heart of British Columbia.
- The trio was known for “risk‑taking” stunts, a hallmark of their 2011‑launched YouTube channel, High on Life.
The Fateful Slip
According to witnesses quoted by the Vancouver Sun, the group was swimming in a shallow pool at the top of the falls when Lyakh and Gamble lost their footing while trying to rescue Megan after she slipped into the swirling creek. The fall was roughly 30 metres down, and the water’s force was lethal.
Rescue crews—both on the ground and from helicopters—scoured the harsh terrain, described as “extremely difficult” and “dangerous,” for several days before discovering the bodies on a Wednesday evening.
Remembering the “High on Life” Crew
Their legacy stretches beyond the YouTube channel: they amass 500,000 followers on YouTube and a million on Instagram. They even had a brush‑with the law in 2016 for filming in a restricted area of Yellowstone National Park.
In the wake of the tragedy, a friend-driven video tribute racked up over 150,000 views in a matter of hours, and a grateful community raised a fundraiser—https://www.instagram.com/sp?—to assist with funeral costs. Hushed hashtags like #HOLInspired became rallying cries on Twitter and Facebook.
Friends and fans alike poured out their sorrow in heartfelt comments. “They were genuinely nice guys… they’ll be missed greatly,” wrote Melissa Devane. Others noted how the crew inspired them to chase impossible dreams: “The High on Life group made me reach for things I’d thought out of reach.”
Final Thoughts
Their adventure wasn’t just about thrills—it was about community, daring leaps, and the risk of overstepping safety. That day, the river proved that some thrills come with a grave cost.
