A Canadian man, David Ethier, 38, from Quebec, tragically lost his life while snowboarding with his dog in Millcreek Canyon, Utah, after being caught in an avalanche on Saturday, December 30, 2024.
Ethier, riding a splitboard—a snowboard that splits into two pieces for easier backcountry hiking—was accompanied by his black Labrador when the avalanche struck. The dog’s fate was initially uncertain, but she was found alone roaming along Porter Fork Road that evening. Authorities identified her owner using her microchip. However, it took several days for search teams to recover Ethier’s body, with his remains located on Tuesday after extensive search efforts.
The avalanche that claimed Ethier’s life was one of two fatal incidents in the area within three days. The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office (SLCSO) received a report on Sunday about an overdue party, prompting an investigation that led to Ethier’s car being discovered at the trailhead of Porter Fork. Search and rescue efforts began that night but were hampered by poor weather conditions, avalanche risks, and limited daylight. The next day, helicopters and drones were deployed to continue the search, but the hazardous conditions prevented a thorough search of the higher areas of the canyon.
The breakthrough came when a good Samaritan located Ethier’s body on Monday night, buried under approximately three feet of snow, near the edge of the avalanche debris. However, the recovery operation was interrupted by secondary avalanches, one of which covered the ascent track in Upper Porter Fork, making the recovery process even more dangerous. Ethier’s body was eventually retrieved on Tuesday.
Sheriff Rosie Rivera expressed condolences to Ethier’s family, calling the incident “a heartbreaking tragedy.” His sister shared tributes on social media, remembering him as a “fit man” who loved the outdoors and was a beloved friend, godfather, and son. Photos on his social media pages show him enjoying snowy landscapes with his dog in various adventures.
Ethier’s death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by avalanches, particularly in the Wasatch Range, where snow conditions have been unstable. In a warning issued by the SLCSAR, they emphasized the importance of taking precautions, such as sticking to lower-risk terrain, checking avalanche forecasts, carrying proper rescue equipment, and not venturing out alone.
While the recovery team was still working on Ethier’s case, they were briefly diverted to another avalanche incident in nearby Big Cottonwood Canyon, which resulted in a second fatality. The victim, a solo snowboarder, triggered an avalanche while descending Davenport Hill, but his identity has not been released. Since December 15, 2024, four avalanche-related deaths have been reported across the United States, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
This double tragedy highlights the ongoing risks in avalanche-prone areas and underscores the importance of proper safety measures and preparedness for those venturing into the backcountry.