Avalanche fatality near Ophir, CO -- Jan 22, 2024

[andy m]

Condolences to family and friends

Link to initial CAIC report:
https://classic.avalanche.state.co.u...=860&accfm=rep

[adrenalated]

The victim was a well known Ophir local. I did not know him, but I am sure that others here did.

https://www.montrosepress.com/free_a...1f211e482.html

[MakersTeleMark]

Brutal.

Footprints led away from the hole and in following them, the searchers found Harrelson’s body. Masters said it appeared he had been trapped in the avalanche and was able to self-extricate, but ultimately did not survive.

San Miguel County Coroner Emil Santa said the avalanche carried Harrelson 200-300 feet before it stopped and he dug himself free. He then apparently hiked another 200 - 300 feet before lying down under some trees and dying. The cause and manner of death are under investigation.

[ASmileyFace]

Fuck. All I gotta say. RIP Dr. Peter

[Upinsmoke]

He was larger than life personality, always with a smile. He will be missed. RIP

[teleee]

God damn! That is brutal.


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[goldenboy]

Yeah, tough read for sure. I wonder if he would have made it with a partner to start first aid and a rescue. Tough one for Ophir, I'm sure everyone knew him. RIP

[mtnjam]

Ooof, tough read.

Based on the photo of where the slide occurred, it's even more terrifying getting raked through trees and getting snapped in all sort of contorted ways.

Just watched "Buried" last night, finally, and some of the descriptions of the frozen victims contorted in abnormal positions almost made me cry.

[tBatt]

Final report, although no mention if cause of death was trauma or exposure. Tragic either way.

https://classic.avalanche.state.co.u...=860&accfm=inv

[yeahman]

Based on what I've read...He liked traveling alone in avalanche terrain and he enjoyed many years of doing just that. Seems like he lived exactly the life he wanted to live. I don't personally consider that tragic, seems like more of a triumph. RIP

[Irlts]

Final report, although no mention if cause of death was trauma or exposure. Tragic either way.

https://classic.avalanche.state.co.u...=860&accfm=inv

Probably a little bit of both, either way super sad. RIP and condolences to friends and family.

[Rudimatt7]

‘The victim was a well known Ophir local. I did not know him, but I am sure that others here did.’

There’s only like 20 people in Ophir, so everyone knows everybody.