The Ravalli County sheriff in Montana confirmed Wednesday that Park City-native Dave Macfarlane, 64, died after being caught in an avalanche.
Coroner Steve Holton confirmed that there was a fatality associated with an avalanche in the southern portion of Ravalli County.
According to a press release from the Ravalli County Sheriff, people skiing northwest of the Lost Trail Ski area in Montana reported the avalanche. Macfarlane had been skiing with five other Utahns, the release said, and the avalanche occurred early in the afternoon.
The avalanche swept one of the skiers away, a 64-year-old male — Macfarlane.
Other members of the party were able to locate the victim and begin first aid, the release said. They notified emergency services by a satellite device.
The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office, Ravalli County Search and Rescue and Two Bear Air from Flathead County responded to the incident. Two Bear Air, with the assistance of Ravalli County Search and Rescue, were able to hoist the victim from the scene.
According to the release, the victim had died prior to the helicopter’s arrival due to injuries sustained in the avalanche.