Two US Ski Team prospects died Monday while skiing near their European training base when an unexpected avalanche took their lives.
Ronnie Berlack, 20, and Bryce Astle, 19, were part of a group of skiers who were descending from a 3,056-meter peak when they apparently caused an avalanche. Four other skiers managed to get out alive. Berlack was from New Hampshire and Astle was from Utah.
According to the New York Times, officials in the Tyrolean region say the area was under an avalanche watch following several days of heavy snowfall.
U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association President and CEO Tiger Shaw spoke about the tragedy on Monday.
“Ronnie and Bryce were both outstanding ski racers who were passionate about their sport — both on the race course and skiing the mountain,” Shaw said. “Our hearts go out to the Berlack and Astle families, as well as to their extended sport family. Both of them loved what they did and conveyed that to those around them.”
Alpine director Patrick Riml described the incident as a “shock” for everyone.
“We are all very close,” Riml said. “We train a lot in Park City. We’ll see how they handle the whole thing and how they react. … It’s a shock for everybody. Two great boys, great athletes, good skiers. They were fun to have around. We are all in shock, still. It’s very tragic.”
Our thoughts are with the families of both skiers.
Photo: Twitter/US Ski Team
