UPDATE: Coroner releases name of Castlegar man killed in avalanche Monday
By Castlegar Source
The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died following an avalanche near Castlegar on March 14.
He was Daniel Joseph Davidoff, aged 45, of Castlegar.
A family member of Mr. Davidoff reported him missing on the evening of March 14 after he had failed to return as planned from a solo snowmobiling trip into the mountains near Castlegar.
A search was launched and Mr. Davidoff was found the next morning near the College Creek Forestry Road. He had been struck by an avalanche and was deceased at the scene.
The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate this death.
The family of Mr. Davidoff has been notified of his death. On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.
Previous coverage:
A 45-year-old Castlegar man has died after an avalanche Monday, according to RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk.
“The Castlegar RCMP has confirmed that a local area man has died in a snowmobiling avalanche incident on Monday. The RCMP activated the local Search and Rescue team Monday evening,” Moskaluk said. “SAR was able to locate the man on Tuesday.”
Moskaluk said the man’s family became concerned when he didn’t return from an outing.
“At approximately 10 p.m. March 14, the Castlegar RCMP received a report from the family member of an adult male snowmobiler, indicating that the man was overdue from a day-long excursion near Castlegar,” he said. “The RCMP immediately activated the Castlegar Search and Rescue team, that evening. Police were also updated on Monday that the man’s snowmobile had been located by another snowmobiler, partially buried in an avalanche.
“On Tuesday morning, the SAR technicians flew into the area and assessed the current risks and carried out a search for the missing man. An RCMP Air Services helicopter also assisted in the effort. SAR technicians were able to safely enter the area and recovered the man’s body late Tuesday morning. Next of kin of the 45-year-old man have been notified. Efforts are continuing in the recovery and removal of the man’s body from the location.”
Moskaluk said the man was an experienced and seasoned snowmobiler.
“The Castlegar RCMP will continue to assist the BC Coroners Service with their investigation into the man’s death.”
Moskaluk reminded outdoor enthusiasts that we are entering peak avalanche season, and cautioned people to be extremely cautious, “and properly educate themselves on the terrain, avalanche conditions, and the proper gear.”
