2nd Body Recovered 8 Months After 3 Skiers Were Buried Under 100 Feet of Snow in Alaska Avalanche

2nd Body Recovered 8 Months After 3 Skiers Were Buried Under Avalanche

An update from the Alaska Department of Public Safety has confirmed the recovery of a second body following an avalanche incident that occurred near Girdwood, Alaska in March. The recovery efforts have been ongoing since the three skiers, David Linder, Charles Eppard, and Jeremy Leif, were caught in the avalanche, with one body being found earlier in October.

David Linder, aged 39, was the first skier whose remains were discovered in October, and recently, a second body has been recovered by a rescue team from the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group on November 2, 2025. Positive identification is being carried out at the State Medical Examiner’s Office before the identity is publicly released.

The trio, consisting of Linder, Eppard, and Leif, had been skiing near Girdwood when tragedy struck on March 4. The avalanche buried them under 40 to 100 feet of snow, making recovery efforts extremely challenging. The commercial heliskiing operation they were with immediately initiated search efforts but faced difficulties due to the depth at which the skiers were buried.

Alaska Wildlife Troopers were alerted about the avalanche near the West Fork of 20 Mile River, and despite the guides’ attempts to locate and recover the skiers using avalanche beacons, the depth of the snow hindered the rescue mission. Poor weather conditions further complicated the situation, preventing immediate recovery efforts by helicopter flights and rescue teams.

Due to the high risk of additional avalanches and the challenging location of the buried skiers, recovery operations were stalled until safer conditions prevailed. The community and authorities have been awaiting suitable circumstances that guarantee the safety of rescue teams before resuming the recovery process.

Loved ones of the victims, including one victim’s brother who shared that the three skiers had grown up together, have been enduring this heartbreaking wait for closure. The average annual avalanche-related fatalities in the U.S. stand at approximately 27, highlighting the dangers faced by those venturing into avalanche-prone terrains.

As efforts progress towards recovering the third skier, the community stands in solidarity with the families and friends of the deceased. The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with extreme sports and the unpredictable forces of nature.

The recovery of the second body brings a mix of emotions for those involved, from solemn closure to renewed hope for the safe recovery of the final missing skier. The community’s resilience and support during this challenging time exemplify the strength and unity that prevails in times of adversity.

The recovery efforts remain ongoing, with authorities and rescue teams dedicated to bringing closure to the families of Linder, Eppard, and Leif. The impact of this tragic event resonates deeply within the community, underscoring the importance of safety precautions and preparedness when engaging in outdoor activities amidst nature’s unpredictable elements.