His passing has been met with an outpouring of grief and remembrances from the Minnesota radio-broadcasting community.
Highlights
- David Linder, a 39-year-old radio station owner from Minnesota, lost his life in an avalanche during a heli-skiing trip in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains.
- Linder was accompanied by two friends, Charles Eppard and Jeremy Leif, who were also caught in the avalanche. Despite deploying their avalanche airbags, they were buried under snow depths ranging from 40 to nearly 100 feet.
- David Linder leaves behind his wife, Sarah, and their three young children.
David Linder, a 39-year-old radio station owner from Minnesota, tragically lost his life in an avalanche during a heli-skiing trip in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, when Linder and his companions were caught in a massive snow slide near Girdwood.
Linder was accompanied by two friends, Charles Eppard, 39, of Montana, and Jeremy Leif, 38, of Minnesota.
All three were part of a heli-skiing group exploring the backcountry terrain.
Despite deploying their avalanche airbags, they were buried under snow depths ranging from 40 to nearly 100 feet.
A fourth skier from the group was rescued.
Severe weather conditions and a high risk of additional avalanches delayed immediate search and recovery efforts.
Authorities hoped to conduct aerial assessments to determine safe recovery options.
Linder Is Survived By His Wife And Three Kids
David Linder was a third-generation radio station licensee and co-owner of Subarctic Media, operating multiple radio stations across Minnesota.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah, and their three young sons.
Matt Ketelsen, managing partner at Radio Mankato, where Linder was a co-owner, expressed his grief, stating,
I will remember Dave Linder as an amazing as an amazing family man, one of the smartest people I’ve ever known, and someone who lived life to the fullest.
mprnews.org
Sarah and her family have not released any public statements, instead choosing to grieve in private.
Linder’s Untimely Death Has Left The Community In Mourning
The news of Linder’s untimely death has deeply affected the local community and the broadcasting industry.
Colleagues and friends have taken to social media to share their condolences and memories of Linder, highlighting his dedication to his family and his passion for radio broadcasting.
The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent dangers associated with backcountry skiing and the unpredictable nature of avalanches.
Experts emphasize the importance of checking avalanche forecasts, using appropriate safety gear, and following safety protocols to mitigate risks.
David Linder’s passing leaves a void in both his family and the broadcasting community.
As his loved ones and colleagues mourn his loss, they remember him for his contributions to the industry and his unwavering commitment to his family.
Additional Information
- Alaska’s Chugach Mountains receive more snowfall than anywhere else in the world, with an annual average of over 1,500 centimeters (800 inches), making it a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports enthusiasts.
- Heli-skiing is a form of backcountry skiing or snowboarding where a helicopter is used to transport skiers or snowboarders to remote, untouched mountain slopes, allowing them to access areas that are otherwise difficult or impossible to reach.
