In a tragic incident in Utah, an 11-year-old girl named Madelyn Eitas lost her life due to an avalanche while skiing with her family near Brighton Ski Resort. As they ventured into an out-of-bounds area known as The Rock Garden, the family experienced an avalanche that buried Eitas for approximately 30 minutes before rescuers arrived. Despite the efforts of search and rescue teams and medical personnel, she succumbed to her injuries after being transported to a hospital.

Simultaneously, a father snowmobiling with his son in the backcountry was also killed by a separate avalanche, bringing the total fatalities in the state to two for the season following the recent snowfalls. These incidents highlight the risks associated with outdoor winter activities in avalanche-prone areas, particularly when individuals venture beyond marked trails or designated zones.

Officials emphasize the importance of safety while engaging in winter sports, encouraging families and individuals to stay informed about avalanche risks and to remain on established paths to avoid similar tragedies in the future. The early-season fatalities serve as a sobering reminder of the inherent dangers present in backcountry skiing and snowmobiling, especially as more winter enthusiasts take to the snow-covered landscapes.