Heavenly, CA Ski Patroller Dies on Mt. Rainier, WA

Heavenly ski resort, CA ski patroller Dmitri Pajitnov’s body remains missing after he fell through a snow bridge into a running creek on 14,411′ Mt. Rainier, WA on July 3rd, 2017. Rescue efforts have been called off after determining that the area was unsafe for searchers and that the odds of survival were “essentially negligible.”

While the family and friends of Mr. Pajitnov initially called for a continued search through a Change.org petition and GoFundMe campaign, their efforts have now shifted to recovering Mr. Pajitnov’s body.

“After consulting with professional rescue personnel and among ourselves, we quickly came to the painful conclusion that Dima’s chance of survival under the current conditions was minimal.

…

Dima was a role model and a great friend to so many people in our tight knit community. He had limitless compassion for others, while always striving to improve the world we all live in.”

-GoFundMe campaign

Dmitri Pajitnov was a ski patroller at Heavenly, an EMT at Bartow Hospital in South Lake, and a medical student at St. George’s university. Additionally, he was an accomplished backcountry skier and mountaineer. His family includes Alexey Pajitnov, Dmitri’s father and the inventor of the video game Tetris.

A memorial website has been set up, and a celebration of his life is being held today (July 18th) at 5 pm at the Lakeside Beach House in South Lake Tahoe.