Quebecer killed in avalanche in Utah loved nature, outdoors, employer says
Posted January 1, 2025 5:16 pm.
Last Updated January 2, 2025 3:43 pm.
A Quebec man killed in an avalanche in Utah over the weekend is being remembered as an avid outdoorsman who loved nature.
Utah authorities said 38-year-old David Éthier died while splitboarding near Salt Lake City and his body was recovered on Tuesday.
Deputy Arlan Bennett says Éthier had been splitboarding in the Millcreek Canyon area on Saturday, but was swept under the snow during an avalanche.
He says a rescue operation began Sunday evening after a family came across Éthier’s dog and later found his car at a trailhead.
Authorities contacted Éthier’s family in Quebec, who said he was 24 hours overdue.
Bennett says the rescue continued Monday but was impeded by heavy snowfall until Tuesday.
“Further up on the peak towards the area where he would have been at, it was snowing pretty much constantly,” he said. “There was only a small window of opportunity for us to get the chopper up,” he said.
Sheriff Rosie Rivera called it a “heartbreaking tragedy” in a statement.
“Our hearts go out to the family as they grieve the loss of their loved one.”
Éthier, who local media say was from Sherbrooke, Que., had worked for four years at BRP, the Quebec-based powersports vehicle and marine products manufacturer.
A spokeswoman says the company learned late Wednesday of the passing of their 38-year-old technical support team worker and offered condolences to his family.
Mélanie Montplaisir says Éthier was passionate about his work and a nature lover who was greatly appreciated by colleagues and dealers.
She says in an emailed statement that Éthier often told colleagues that working at BRP was a way for him to combine his professional career with his love of adventure and the outdoors.
–This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 1, 2025.
