Two skiers were killed in an avalanche in Utah on Thursday morning, local authorities said.
Rescue crews were dispatched to Lone Peak Canyon around 10:30 a.m. after receiving a report of three skiers “caught up in an avalanche, carried away and buried,” the Salt Lake Unified Police Department said in a statement. announced.
Due to the remote location and rough terrain, assistance was requested from several other agencies.
About two hours later, one skier was found and airlifted to an area hospital.He was able to dig himself out of the snow and was found in good condition, authorities said. told KUTV.
The remaining two skiers, both men aged 23 and 32, were later found by rescue teams.
Neither person survived the avalanche, officials said. Their names have not been released.
Due to weather conditions, the body recovery efforts were suspended at around 4pm and are expected to resume on Friday.
“This is a tragedy, and our hearts go out to the families and outdoor communities in which these individuals were active participants,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera.
“They are experienced skiers and were reportedly well prepared for the journey they are embarking on today,” she added. “This is a reminder that Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and we encourage everyone to be mindful of the dangers of late snowpack and spring runoff.”
Lone Peak is located approximately 55 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.
