Grieving family of Bend skier killed in Mt. Bailey avalanche shares a statement on their ‘unimaginable loss’
(Update: Adding family statement, photos, video)
Family says Brian Roberts was beloved MBSEF instructor, champion ski racer and 'the kindest soul'
DIAMOND LAKE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A Bend man was killed in an avalanche Thursday while skiing with a group at Mt. Bailey in southern Oregon, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office reported Friday. The family of expert skier Brian Thomas Roberts later shared a statement and photos with KTVZ News, asking the community for prayers in the wake of their 'unimaginable loss.'
Deputies said the avalanche occurred around 3:45 p.m. Thursday while the group was on the north/northwest side of Mt. Bailey, within the motorized closure area. The group was the fourth of the day to enjoy "cat skiing" at Mt. Bailey, a service through Diamond Lake Resort, when they "encountered unforeseen challenges, despite prior avalanche test digs earlier in the day," deputies said in a Facebook posting.
One member of the party was trapped under the slide, who the sheriff's office identified as Roberts, 50. Despite efforts by fellow party members who swiftly dug him out and attempted lifesaving efforts by two nurses on the scene, Roberts succumbed to his injuries in the remote location.
The group of skiers managed to navigate about two miles to the nearest snowmobile trail, where they were met by responders and Diamond Lake Resort staff. Emergency Medical Services assessed others with the ski party who were injured at Three Lakes Snow Park.
Another member of the group sustained a laceration or puncture injury during the avalanche, believed to be caused by a branch or ski pole, but declined ambulance transport, the sheriff's office said.
Responding to the incident were Diamond Lake Resort employees, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, US Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers, and Umpqua Valley Ambulance. The Sheriff’s Office also received support from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management Search and Rescue Coordinator.
It was Oregon's second deadly avalanche in less than a month. Terry and Renee Skersaa of Bend were killed Feb. 17 in an avalanche while backcountry skiing in the Happy Valley area west of Bend.
A friend of Roberts' family reached out to KTVZ News and later provided this statement on their behalf:
"Brian’s family has suffered an unimaginable loss. Brian was an expert skier of 40+ years, a beloved MBSEF instructor, a champion ski racer and World Cup contender. His love for the Central Oregon Cascades was unmatched, and he had unwavering passion for teaching young kids the love of the mountains and outdoors.
"But his most special child was his own - Brian leaves behind his treasured 11-year-old daughter and his beautiful wife of 13 years. His role as 'dad' was his greatest calling.
"As you release his name to the world tonight, you need to know he was so much more than a name. He was the kindest soul - adventurous, loving and bigger than life.
"He was an amazing father and husband, a steward of the mountains and the most loyal of friends. He will be deeply and painfully missed. We ask that you keep his wife Heather in your loving thoughts tonight as she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and now has to fight that journey on her own.
"We are overcome with grief in the unfairness of it all and hope Brian’s memory is held tightly in the hearts of those who loved and adored him," the statement concluded.
