Authorities in Idaho have recovered the body of a skier who tragically died in an avalanche near Steven’s Peak in Shoshone County. The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the fatality after successfully rescuing two other individuals from the deadly avalanche. The deceased skier has been identified as Corey J. Zalewski, while the rescued individuals are Landon E. Crecelius and David R. Sittser. The recovery effort was a collaborative operation involving multiple agencies, including the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Kootenai County Search and Rescue, Silver Valley Search and Rescue, Silver Mountain Ski Patrol, and Shoshone County Groomers.
The rescue mission was initiated after the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office received a Garmin GPS alert of a possible fatality. Communication with two of the individuals was established through a GPS texting device, leading to their successful location and rescue several miles southwest of the Lookout Peak ski area. Unfortunately, based on the gathered information, it was presumed that the third victim had succumbed to the avalanche.
The area had been under an avalanche warning due to heavy winds and snowfall in the preceding days. This tragic incident marks the first reported avalanche death of the season in the United States. California also experienced an avalanche at the Palisades Tahoe ski resort near Lake Tahoe, resulting in four individuals being impacted, including one fatality.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Corey Zalewski’s family as they mourn the loss of this great man. The authorities involved have concluded their search efforts for the safety of all those involved. The Associated Press has contributed to this report.
