A seasoned skier, Kenneth Goff, 36, of Lander, Wyoming, tragically died in a backcountry avalanche at Togwotee Pass on Saturday. Goff, a nurse and skilled mountaineer, was one of four skiers caught in a large snow slide at approximately 10,400 feet elevation.
Initial reports, relayed via a 911 satellite text from an Apple iPhone, alerted Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) to the incident. Adverse weather conditions hampered aerial rescue efforts, necessitating a ground-based response using snowmobiles and skis. TCSAR personnel reached the stranded skiers at 3:47 PM.
The avalanche buried Goff completely and another skier partially. While rescuers successfully freed the partially buried skier and treated their lower leg injury, Goff's life could not be saved. The other two skiers were unharmed and transported to a waiting ambulance. The deceased's body was recovered via skis.
Sarah Martin, Rocky Mountain campus director of the National Outdoor Leadership School, where Goff worked as a climbing instructor, described him as "calm, caring, chronically positive." "He will be sorely missed," she added. TCSAR emphasized the importance of precise information in 911 satellite texts, urging users to include details of the emergency, injuries, and number of individuals involved. This will allow for swift response development.
The incident marks the fifth avalanche fatality in the United States this winter. TCSAR extended their condolences to Goff's family and friends.
