An avalanche in Alaska has resulted in the deaths of several out-of-state skiers, including a man from Miami and two individuals with strong ties to Minnesota. The victims have been identified as 39-year-old Dave Linder, part-owner of Subarctic Media, 39-year-old Charlie Eppard from Montana with Minnesota roots, and 38-year-old Jeremy Leif from Minnesota, as WSVN reported.
The avalanche occurred near Girdwood on Tuesday afternoon while the skiers were heli-skiing, a popular winter sport. Despite using avalanche air bags, the skiers were caught by the snowslide and believed to be buried under more than 30 feet of snow. Efforts to rescue the victims have been hindered by difficult weather conditions, making it hard for Alaska State Troopers and avalanche specialists to assess the site, which is only accessible by air, according to WSVN.
CBS News reported that Charlie Eppard’s family shared a message on social media, stating, “Our hearts are heavy and we are heartbroken at the loss of our son Charlie Eppard who was caught in an avalanche in Alaska on Tuesday. He was doing what he loved. He was not alone and we know others are feeling our same raw pain as we navigate through this loss.” Charlie’s brother, Jon Eppard, remembered their shared passion for skiing, saying, "As little kids, I can't remember exactly what age it started, but I just always wanted to be like my big brother." The family has set up a GoFundMe page for support.
Linder, a passionate skier and devoted father, was on vacation with friends when the incident occurred. Matt Ketelsen, Managing Partner of Subarctic Media, told CBS News, "Dave was a great skier, a very confident, good skier. He'd done this before. This wasn't new for him." There has been no successful contact with Jeremy Leif’s family.
