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Oregon Father of Three Dies in California Avalanche
9 Jan
Summary
- An experienced snowmobiler tragically died after being buried by an avalanche.
- Rescue efforts were initiated immediately using an avalanche beacon.
- An off-duty medic provided CPR, but the victim could not be saved.
Chris Scott Thomason, a 42-year-old father of three from Oregon, tragically lost his life in a sudden avalanche incident in Truckee, California. Thomason, along with four other experienced snowmobilers, had been exploring the backcountry near Johnson Peak on Monday, January 5th. Although well-equipped with avalanche beacons and CPR certification within the group, the unforeseen avalanche occurred as they were returning from Castle Peak.
Following the avalanche, which buried Thomason, his companions quickly located him using his beacon and began digging him out. They commenced CPR, and at that critical moment, three individuals not affiliated with their group arrived. Fortunately, one of these bystanders was an off-duty Truckee Fire medic who took charge of the emergency resuscitation efforts.
Despite the swift and dedicated life-saving measures, Chris Scott Thomason could not be revived. Thomason, who co-owned a car dealership in Bend, Oregon, is survived by his wife, Kerri Marf Kurtz, and their three daughters. His wife shared her overwhelming grief on Facebook, describing the tragedy as her "worst nightmare" and expressing the deep love and sorrow she feels.
