Utah Snowmobiler Killed In Avalanche | 4th Avalanche Death In The USA This Season

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The site of the avalanche death. Image: Bridger Teton Avalanche Center

According to the Kemmerer Gazette, a Utah man has succumbed to the injuries that he suffered after being buried in an on Friday, December 29th, 2017. On that fateful day, 35-year-old Brandon Walpole was snowmobiling with a large group, when a large avalanche was triggered by the snowmobilers.

The Red Pin marks Commissary Ridge, WY. Image: Google Maps

Shortly after being buried, he was located with a beacon by the other snowmobilers in his party. At the time of the incident, he was wearing an avalanche airbag, but it didn’t deploy. Brandon wasn’t the only one that was buried by the slide, as five snowmobilers were hit by the avalanche, 2 were partially buried, and Walpole was completely buried.

Commissary Ridge, WY. Image: Bridger Teton Avalanche Center

When the avalanche was triggered, Brandon was side-hilling. STAR Valley Search and Rescue responded to the scene. They airlifted him to the Idaho Falls Hospital, where he passed away from the injuries that he suffered. Brandon is the 4th avalanche death in the USA this season. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.


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