Idaho authorities identify skier killed by weekend avalanche

by The Associated Press
| March 16, 2020 12:17 PM

INKOM, Idaho (AP) — Authorities in Idaho identified a skier who was killed in an avalanche near a ski area.

Paul "Phil" Bregitzer, 60, of American Falls died in the avalanche near Pebble Creek Ski Area Sunday, Idaho State Journal reported.

The avalanche occurred around 1 p.m. just outside the boundaries of the ski area in Inkom, about 63 miles (101 kilometers) south of Idaho Falls, the Bannock County Sheriff's Office said.

Pebble Creek personnel saw the avalanche that buried Bregitzer and contacted emergency services, the sheriff's office said.

Emergency responders including Pebble Creek Ski Patrol members found Bregitzer and attempted to revive him with CPR.

An ambulance transported Bregitzer to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, where he was pronounced dead.

Rain and snowfall in East Idaho over the weekend dramatically increased the likelihood of avalanches, the sheriff's office said.

Authorities warned people to stay out of backcountry areas until conditions improve.