Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Tragedy Strikes Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
In the picturesque setting of Teton Village, Wyoming, tragedy struck at the renowned Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) on a fateful Friday, March 1. The tranquil snow-covered slopes turned somber as a 67-year-old local man, Kelly George Krause, met with a fatal tree well accident while enjoying a day of skiing. This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider skiing world, highlighting the inherent risks associated with navigating deep snow conditions.
Immediate Response and Ongoing Investigation
The incident unfolded in the North Woods area, nestled between Rendezvous Trail and The Hobacks, as Krause, skiing with a group from the JHMR Mountain Sports School, became separated from his companions. Upon being alerted by the group’s instructor, the vigilant Jackson Hole Ski Patrol sprang into action, initiating a swift search operation. Tragically, Krause was discovered by a group of snowboarders who found him trapped in a tree well. Despite the best efforts of the ski patrol and an emergency medicine physician from St. John’s Health Urgent Care, Krause was pronounced dead at the scene. Teton County Sheriff Matt Carr was promptly informed of the distressing turn of events by JHMR officials.
Community and Resort Response
In the aftermath of this heartbreaking loss, JHMR President Mary Kate Buckley extended heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. “We offer our deepest sympathies to those affected by this tragic incident, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” Buckley expressed. The local community and the wider skiing fraternity are mourning the passing of Krause, a respected valley businessman, as they come to terms with the risks inherent in the sport they love.
Highlighting the Dangers of Tree Wells
This tragic incident, coming closely on the heels of another fatal tree well accident at Grand Targhee Resort on February 19, serves as a stark reminder of the heightened risks posed by heavy snowfall periods. Tree wells, those deceptive deep voids that form around the base of snow-covered trees, have the potential to ensnare and suffocate skiers and snowboarders, leading to snow immersion suffocation (SIS). As the storm cycle persists, both resorts and skiers are urged to exercise utmost caution and vigilance.
The recent fatalities serve as a solemn reminder of the unpredictable and often perilous nature of skiing in deep snow. As the skiing community grapples with these losses, the emphasis on safety, education, and preparedness in both backcountry and inbounds skiing has never been more critical. Through tragedy, there emerges an opportunity for heightened awareness and potentially life-saving changes in how skiers navigate the beauty and dangers of the mountainous terrain.
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