Avalanche in Unmanaged Area Near Brighton Ski Resort
A sixth-grade student from Rochester, Massachusetts, died after an avalanche in a remote backcountry area near Brighton Ski Resort in Utah, leaving her family and hometown in mourning.
Madelyn Eitas, 11, was skiing with her family on Thursday afternoon in an unmanaged area called "Rock Garden," east of Salt Lake City. This area is not maintained or patrolled by the resort, where the avalanche occurred.
Rescue Efforts
Her brother, Cameron Eitas, along with about 20 people nearby, immediately began digging. Brighton and Solitude Ski Patrol teams and Wasatch Backcountry Rescue forces responded after police received the call at 12:29 p.m. and began coordinating the rescue. Cameron used a locator app to pinpoint his sister's position under the snow. Madelyn was recovered in critical condition; rescue teams attempted to stabilize her on the mountainside.
A medical helicopter was dispatched but could not land due to the steep terrain and hazardous conditions, forcing rescuers to provide first aid on-site before she was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Authorities announced that she did not survive despite the efforts of her family, first responders, and medical staff.
Community Mourns
Her mother, Becky Eitas, remembered her daughter as "sweet, sassy, and smart," "always dancing, smiling, and happy." The Mariner Youth Soccer team—where Madelyn played—along with Old Rochester Youth Soccer, paid tribute and announced they would commemorate her this spring. Players will wear armbands bearing Madelyn's name and jersey number.
Rochester Police Chief Michael Assad Jr. called on the community to stand with the Eitas family. Rochester Memorial School opened its doors over the weekend to support students and families; the Old Rochester Regional school district provided counseling services for students and staff.
Deadly Avalanche Season
The Utah Avalanche Center reported more than 40 avalanches in the backcountry of the Salt Lake Valley in the preceding days; the danger level remained high throughout the weekend. Earlier in the week, another avalanche in the Wasatch Range also resulted in a fatality.
On February 17, a severe avalanche near Castle Peak in the Lake Tahoe area, California, killed nine people from a group of 15 guided skiers—one of the deadliest avalanche disasters in modern U.S. history.
