Avalanche in Wyoming backcountry kills experienced outdoorsman, injures another skier

An avalanche in western Wyoming buried two skiers over the weekend, killing one and injuring the other.

Teton County Search and Rescue said the deadly incident took place on the Togwotee Pass in the Breccia Cliffs area on Saturday afternoon. 

Two skiers were part of a group of four heading up a mountain in the backcountry, about 20 miles east of Grand Teton National Park, when they set off an avalanche.

One skier was completely buried while the other was partially buried with leg injuries.

They managed to retrieve the skier’s body and utilized a sked to remove him from the backcountry. The skier was identified as Kenneth Goff, 36, by Teton County Coroner Brent Blue, as reported by The Associated Press.

Goff, hailing from Lander, Wyoming, was a seasoned outdoorsman who also held roles as a nurse and member of the city’s search and rescue team, as indicated on his portfolio website.

Kenneth Goff

Kenneth Goff, 36, was identified by the Teton County coroner as the skier killed in the avalanche. (Kenneth Goff / Portfolium webpage)

He had worked as a rock climbing instructor in various capacities since October 2011 and had been teaching climbing and mountaineering courses at the National Outdoor Leadership School in Lander since May 2017.

Goff is the fifth person killed by an avalanche in the United States this winter.

“This serves as an important reminder of how much longer a mission can take when the helicopter is grounded, and is another factor to consider in your backcountry planning should an accident occur,” Teton County Search and Rescue wrote on Facebook.

“TCSAR extends its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased skier.”

You May Also Like
Teddi Mellencamp Confirms She Has Stage 4 Melanoma In Emotional Interview After Cancer Spread To Her Lungs And Brain

Teddi Mellencamp Reveals Stage 4 Melanoma Diagnosis in Emotional Interview After Cancer Spreads to Lungs and Brain

Reality TV personality Teddi Mellencamp from the show Real Housewives of Beverly…
Power Plays: Alaska Democrats Are Trying To Find an Election Mary Peltola Can Win

Alaska Democrats Striving to Secure a Winning Election for Mary Peltola

Alaska has an interesting political landscape. Historically, we have consistently supported Republican…
Lithuanians bid farewell to 4 US soldiers who died during training exercise

Lithuanians pay their respects to 4 US soldiers who lost their lives during a training exercise

VILNIUS, Lithuania — Thousands of people in Lithuania, including political and religious…
The five lines in Trump's tariffs that spell the end of cheap fast fashion... and will further devastate malls

Five trade policies introduced by Trump that will bring an end to affordable quick fashion and cause more harm to shopping malls

The golden age of bargain clothing shopping is coming to a screeching…
Is ‘The Luckiest Man in America’ Streaming on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video?

Can I watch ‘The Luckiest Man in America’ on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video?

If you’ve ever thought about outsmarting a game show, then consider watching…
China launches major trade war response with 34% additional tariffs on US goods in retaliation for Trump's 34% levy

China responds to US trade war with 34% extra tariffs on American products following Trump’s 34% tax decision

China will soon impose an additional 34 per cent tariffs on all American…
Germans are SHOCKED by one thing Brits and Americans commonly do in restaurants and on public transport

Germans are SURPRISED by a common behavior in restaurants and on public transport among Brits and Americans

Expats working in Germany have noticed a common view among Germans about…
Man miraculously walks away after driving truck over cliff into Niagara Falls Gorge

Unbelievable: Driver survives driving truck over cliff into Niagara Falls Gorge

A man miraculously survived after he drove his truck over a cliff…
Sick 'memoir' teacher accused of raping 15-year-old student kept in Notes app on her phone is revealed

Teacher accused of raping 15-year-old student recorded details in Notes app on her phone

A married teacher accused of raping a 15-year-old student she was tutoring…
Pulitzer Prize winner's parting words as he abruptly quits The Washington Post after slamming Jeff Bezos

“Pulitzer Prize Winner Resigns from The Washington Post Following Criticism of Jeff Bezos”

A Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist has become the latest to leave The Washington…
Trump urged to review UN immunity, lax visa rules amid national security concerns

Request for Trump to reassess UN immunity and relaxed visa regulations due to national security worries

An agreement from 1947 that specifies the responsibilities of the United Nations…
ICE says it deported 174 criminal migrants from Texas, including a man with 39 illegal entries

ICE removes 174 criminal migrants from Texas, including a man with 39 illegal crossings

In Texas, a recent two-week crackdown on illegal immigration led to the…