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Mountain Rescue Crew Member Killed In Avalanche Identified

ASPEN, Colo. (CBS4)- The skier and member of Mountain Rescue Aspen who died in an avalanche over the weekend has been identified.

Pitkin Avalanche Death 3 (John Galvin, from Pitkin County SO tweet)
John Galvin (credit: Pitkin County Sheriff)

John Galvin, 57, was killed in the avalanche in the Maroon Bowl on Sunday. Galvin was a 30-year veteran of Mountain Rescue Aspen.

Pitkin Avalanche Death 2 (from CAIC website)
(credit: Colorado Avalanche Information Center)

"John was a dedicated and professional public safety volunteer, who unselfishly
gave his time to our community over 30 years," said Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DiSalvo in a statement.

In the same avalanche, Galvin's skiing partner was injured but was able to call for help and eventually self-rescued.

Mountain Rescue Aspen
(credit: CBS)

Search and rescue crews were alerted to the two skiers caught in the avalanche outside of the Aspen Highlands ski area boundary, according to the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office.

Because of the avalanche conditions, the recovery effort to recover Galvin's body has been delayed. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center will work with Aspen Highlands Ski Patrol this week to determine the best time and date to recover Galvin's body.

"John helped save lives of hundreds of visitors and locals who were in need while
injured or stranded in our mountains. John will be missed by all on our team and in our community," said MRA President Justin Hood in a statement.

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