Two individuals lost their lives in a Utah avalanche on Thursday, according to local law enforcement. The incident occurred in Lone Peak Canyon, where three skiers were reportedly engulfed by an avalanche around 10:30 a.m., as per the Unified Police Department of Salt Lake’s statement. The remote location and challenging terrain necessitated the involvement of multiple agencies in the rescue operation.
One of the skiers managed to survive the ordeal. After extricating himself from the snow, he was discovered in a stable condition approximately two hours post-incident. A helicopter was dispatched to transport him to a nearby hospital for further medical attention.
The remaining two skiers, males aged 23 and 32, were not as fortunate. Despite the best efforts of the rescue teams, both men succumbed to the avalanche. In respect to their families, authorities have withheld their identities.
The recovery of the deceased skiers’ bodies has been postponed until Friday due to unfavorable weather conditions. The operation was suspended around 4 p.m. on Thursday, with plans to resume the following day.
Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera expressed her condolences, stating, “This is a tragedy, and our hearts are with the families and outdoor community that these individuals were actively engaged in.” She further noted that the victims were experienced skiers who had adequately prepared for their excursion.
Sheriff Rivera also took the opportunity to remind the public of the unpredictability of nature, especially during late snowpack and spring runoff seasons. She urged everyone to be aware of the potential dangers. Lone Peak, the site of the tragic incident, is situated approximately 35 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.