Skier killed in avalanche identified
A man was killed in an avalanche Thursday in the backcountry near Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Teton County Sheriff’s Office identified 29-year old Michael Kazanjy, as a Jackson resident.
The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center said Kazanjy was fully buried in the soft slab avalanche Thursday.
Resort officials say the avalanche happened around 12:50 p.m. Thursday. Kazanjy was pronounced dead at the scene at about 1:30 p.m.
The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports the slide happened at about 10,300 feet on an east-facing slope called the Pucker Face.
Others who were with the Kazanjy saw the slide happen and dug him out of the snow. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
As of Thursday afternoon, the center listed the avalanche danger in western Wyoming as moderate.
Earlier reports identified Kazanjy as a snowboarder, but the Teton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed he was wearing skis.
