Photo: Facebook
A snowboarder who unwittingly triggered an avalanche in Utah this weekend has died.
Matt Tauszik, a 45-year-old chef in Salt Lake City, passed away after being buried in three feet of snow in the back country near a Park City ski resort, the Summit County Sheriff said.
The accident happened on Sunday, after Tauszik left the Canyons Village of Park City via the backcountry exit gate at the top of the 9,990-foot lift to access the Dutch Draw slope, theUtah Avalanche Center(UAC) said.
When Tauszik was part of the way down, near the Conehead area of the slope, he triggered the avalanche and was caught up in the onslaught of snow that ended up killing him, the UAC’s report said.
Tauszik had been snowboarding alone, the Summit County Sheriffsaid. On the day he was out, the UAC forecasted a “considerable danger” for avalanches, with cloudy weather in the single digits and light wind.
Utah avalanche.utah avalanche center
“The man who died in the backcountry#avalanchehas been identified as 45 year old Matt Tauszik of Salt Lake City. Our prayers are with the Tauszik Family during this difficult time,” atweetfrom Sheriff Justin Martinez on Monday read, confirming his identity.
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“His leadership, smile and creativity will be missed. Our hearts go out to his wife and son. We find solace knowing Matt passed doing something he loved.”
“He was a talented and creative chef that lived and breathed food,” said the University Park Marriott’s food and beverage director Jason Talcott, according to theSalt Lake CityTribune.
“He diedpursuing one of his passions,” Talcott added, saying that Tauszik was also a passionate mountain biker. “In that, I find some solace.”
AGoFundMe campaignhas since been created to help Tauszik’s family pay for a memorial service and to go towards living expenses.
“For the Tauszik family this December, it is not Santa that has come like a thief in the night, but instead heartbreak, one that will affect them for the rest of their lives. We can never replace this dedicated husband and father, but we can fill a need,” the campaign’s page says.
“Let’s together help this little family with expenses, not just for the memorial service but for so much more,” it continues. “Together, we can raise enough funds to allow them piece of mind. With living expenses covered they can have financial security in their home while they embark on this journey of healing. All funds will be used for final expenses. Any excess will go into a fund for Matt’s wife, Michelle Schmitt, who plans to use them for living expenses.”
“Hold your loved ones a little tighter this Christmas season, and as you do so, please consider donating generously to this young widow and her little son.”
As of Tuesday, the campaign had raised nearly $4,000 out of its $25,000 goal.
source: people.com
