Canadian man, 38, dies in avalanche in Utah mountains
Authorities contacted Éthier's family in Quebec, who said he was 24 hours overdue.
Authorities in Utah have confirmed that a Canadian man tragically lost his life in an avalanche while snowboarding in the mountains near Salt Lake City.
The Salt Lake County sheriff's office reported that 38-year-old David Éthier's body was recovered on Tuesday.
Deputy Arlan Bennett stated that Éthier had been splitboarding in the Millcreek Canyon area on Saturday when an avalanche struck, sweeping him under the snow. A search and rescue operation began Sunday evening after a family discovered Éthier's dog and later located his car at a trailhead.
Authorities were able to contact Éthier's family in Quebec, who confirmed that he was 24 hours overdue. Rescue efforts resumed Monday but were delayed by heavy snowfall, continuing until Tuesday.
Bennett noted that the snowstorm in the area made conditions difficult. "Further up on the peak, it was snowing almost continuously," he said, adding that there was only a brief opportunity to deploy the helicopter.
Sheriff Rosie Rivera expressed her sorrow, calling the incident a "heartbreaking tragedy" in a statement. "Our hearts go out to the family as they grieve the loss of their loved one."
