The teen and another skier were “bootpacking up a slope” when they “triggered an avalanche,” according to an incident report
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NEED TO KNOW
- Emilio Hrazdira, 15, died after he was “fully buried” by an avalanche at the Nakiska ski hill in Canada on Feb. 27
- According to an Avalanche Canada incident report, Emilio and another skier were “bootpacking up a slope” when they “triggered an avalanche”
- The principal of the Emilio’s high school said, “This incident has deeply impacted our community and reminds us of the importance and value of heartfelt connections to one another”
A 15-year-old boy died after being buried by an avalanche in Canada.
On Friday, Feb. 27, Emilio Hrazdira was one of two skiers who was swept up in an avalanche at the Nakiska ski hill near Calgary at approximately 12:49 p.m., according to the CBC, Calgary Herald and CTV News.
While one skier was able to dig out of the snow uninjured, the Queen Elizabeth High School student was found unresponsive and taken to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in critical condition. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the teen died the following day, per Calgary Herald.
“We are devastated to learn that one of those young athletes has passed away,” the Alpine Ski Association said in a social media statement following the teen’s death. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends, to the teammates and their families, and to the coaches and staff during this unimaginable time.”
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“Please know that the ski community has you in their thoughts and shares in your grief and sorrow,” the statement continued. “Alpine Canada will work with the Alberta Alpine Ski Association to help support the club and their members as they navigate this heart-wrenching time.”
According to an Avalanche Canada incident report, the group “triggered an avalanche as they were bootpacking up a slope. Both members of the party were caught, with one partially buried and one fully buried.”
Conditions on the day of the incident were “considerable,” indicating that human-triggered avalanches were likely.
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“Our hearts are with the family and friends of the individual,” Nakiska Ski Area said in a statement to Calgary Herald, noting that a full investigation into the incident is underway. “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.”
Following the death of the teen, the principal of Queen Elizabeth High School, Jennifer Edmondson-Neily, sent a letter to parents encouraging students to “speak with their family members about their feelings and to lean on trusted supports as they process this loss.”
"A loss such as this may affect individuals in different ways, and it is important to seek support when needed,” Edmondson-Neily continued, per Calgary Herald. “This incident has deeply impacted our community and reminds us of the importance and value of heartfelt connections to one another. We have extended our support to Emilio’s family at this very difficult time.”
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