A 15-year-old Calgary resident who was buried in an avalanche Friday has died.
The teen has been identified as Emilio Hrazdira, a student at Queen Elizabeth High School. The Calgary school shared Hrazdira’s name with the permission of family in a statement.
Cochrane RCMP responded to reports of an avalanche at the Nakiska ski hill Friday at 12:49 p.m. that buried two skiers.
One skier was able to escape the snow, but the second one was not initially located.
Both skiers were 15 years old, CTV News has learned.
It was not immediately clear if the skiers were skiing in an in-bound area of the mountain, but one witness who was on the hill when the slide happened said it occurred in the Monster Glades area of the park, which features predominantly blue and black graded runs.
They said one skier was able to dig themselves out of the snow while EMS services and a team of rescuers were used to locate the teen.
The buried skier was recovered unresponsive and taken to a hospital in Calgary in life-threatening condition, where he died Saturday morning.
In a report on its website Saturday, Avalanche Canada described the incident as a size two avalanche that was accidentally triggered by bootpackers up a slope that was about 20 kilometres southwest of Canmore.
RCMP sent condolences to his family and friends.
Matt Mosteller, Senior Vice President for the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies sent the following statement to CTV News:
“Our hearts are with the family and friends of the individual. We are sending our deepest care to the family dealing with this horrible situation. In these difficult times, our entire mountain community shares in your grief and sorrow.”
“At this time, we are doing a full investigation and will have more details when they become available.”
Queen Elizabeth High School said it would make supports available for students on Monday as they process the loss of a peer.
The school offered a list of mental health resources for students in the meantime:
- Summit Child and Youth Mental Health Centre
- Eastside Family Services
- Distress Centre Calgary
- Kids Help Phone: call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Alpine Alberta statement
Saturday, just before noon, Alpine Alberta issued a statement:
“The Alberta Alpine Ski Association is deeply saddened to share that two of our athletes were involved in an avalanche incident on February 27 at Nakiska Ski Area.
“One athlete was able to self-rescue, while the second was buried. After being rescued by first responders and the best efforts of emergency services, the athlete passed away after being transported to hospital.
“We are heartbroken and profoundly saddened by this tragic loss of life, and we extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family as they navigate this unimaginable grief.
“Our entire community is shaken by this event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the athletes, their families, teammates, and coaches during this incredibly difficult time.
“We recognize that this situation has had a profound impact on many, and we are committed to ensuring appropriate support is available to those affected.
“We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the rescue teams, coaches, and volunteers whose rapid response, professionalism, and dedication were critical in this situation. Their efforts and courage are deeply appreciated by our entire community.”
With files from CTV’s Cassidy McMackon
