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Second Set of Remains Recovered in Alaska Heli-Ski Avalanche as One Skier Remains Missing

Recovery advanced after conditions improved in the high-risk slide area.

Overview

  • On Nov. 2, a DPS HELO 3 crew and Alaska Mountain Rescue Group recovered human remains from the avalanche zone near the West Fork of 20 Mile River north of Girdwood.
  • The remains were transferred to the State Medical Examiner for positive identification, and next of kin have been notified pending public release of the name.
  • David Linder, 39, was recovered on Oct. 7 after his body was found in a log jam in the river below the slide area and was identified by the Medical Examiner.
  • The group also included Charles Eppard, 39, and Jeremy Leif, 38; one of these two men remains unaccounted for and is presumed dead, according to officials.
  • Authorities say immediate recovery was impossible in March because beacons indicated burials 40 to nearly 100 feet deep, and weather and avalanche danger kept teams out for months.