On Monday afternoon, professional skier Dave Treadway passed away following an accident in the backcountry between Whistler and Pemberton, British Columbia. The 34-year-old was skiing with a group near Rhododendron Mountain when he fell more than 100 feet into a crevasse.
Pemberton Search and Rescue responded to the call, with backup from nearby Whistler Search and Rescue. While officials haven’t officially released the name of the victim, Treadway’s death has been confirmed—and mourned—across social media by the ski community.
Temperatures were nearing 60 degrees in the alpine on Monday, according to David Mackenzie, the head of Pemberton Search and Rescue. Treadway was skiing down when he fell into the crevasse, which Mackenzie indicated may have been obscured by a snow bridge, likely weakened by the bright sun and warm temperatures.
Treadway’s ski partners immediately called emergency responders and began attempting a crevasse rescue. Pemberton SAR had just finished up at an earlier call and was able to mobilize a team and a helicopter quickly. After a 12-minute flight, a safety assessment, and the construction of a rigging system, the team of 14 responders was able to bring Treadway up from the crevasse. All told, Mackenzie estimates rescue efforts took about an hour. The official cause of death has yet to be released.
Treadway and his wife, Tessa, have spent the last few years living on the road with their two young children. Formerly based in Pemberton, Treadway remained a central figure in the community. He served on Pemberton Search and Rescue for years, and his brother, Daryl Treadway, is still an active member.Â
“All I know is the world just lost an incredible human being and a wonderful family is suffering unthinkable grief,” wrote Mike Douglas, a professional freeskier based in British Columbia. “You will be deeply missed, Dave.”