Olympic Snowboarder Ueli Kestenholz Dies in Avalanche

Ueli Kestenholz, a pioneering Swiss snowboarder and Olympic bronze medalist, died at age 50 after being buried in an avalanche while snowboarding in the Swiss Alps on January 11.

The incident occurred on the eastern slope of the Hockuchriz mountain in the Lötschental valley of Valais canton, at an elevation of about 7,900 feet. Kestenholz was traversing the remote, high-risk terrain with a skiing companion when the avalanche struck. Authorities have not determined what triggered the slide, though the area is known for significant avalanche hazards. The companion escaped unharmed and assisted in digging Kestenholz from the snow before emergency responders arrived.

Members of the Valais Cantonal Rescue Organization reached the scene and freed Kestenholz, who had sustained severe injuries. A rescue helicopter airlifted him first to a hospital in Visp and then to one in Sion, where he was pronounced dead later that day. The Valais police initially reported the avalanche without naming the victim, but Swiss Ski confirmed Kestenholz's identity two days later. The canton's Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating the circumstances.

Kestenholz made history as one of the first athletes...