Coroner IDs Backcountry Skier Killed In Colorado Avalanche
SILVERTON, Colo. (AP) — Authorities have identified the 23-year-old backcountry skier who died after an avalanche swept her into some trees in Colorado, marking the state's second fatal slide in a week.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center says the woman was injured Tuesday on Kendall Mountain near Silverton, in southwestern Colorado.
She was descending an avalanche path below treeline with other skiers when the small slide swept her into a stand of trees. She died at a hospital.
The San Juan County coroner's office identified the woman Wednesday as Olivia Buchanan, of Durango.
The avalanche danger in Colorado's mountains is rated as moderate.
On Dec. 31, 39-year-old Christopher Thomas, of Colorado Springs, died after being caught in an avalanche while snowshoeing near Grays and Torreys peaks west of Denver.
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