Terry and Renee Skjersaa Bend, OR Death and Obituary – On a tragic winter day in Bend, Oregon, Terry and Renee Skjersaa lost their lives in a devastating avalanche while enjoying a recreational outing in the Central Cascade Mountains. Their names were released following the recovery of their bodies on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit. The couple, known for their long-standing ties to the region, were reportedly caught in an avalanche while exploring Trail 8, located on snow-covered Forest Service Road 370 between the Bend Watershed and Broken Top area, specifically in an area known as Happy Valley.
The events leading to this tragedy began when friends and family reported Terry and Renee as missing. The alarm was raised after they failed to return from their excursion, prompting a massive search operation. Local authorities, including the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, immediately mobilized resources to search the area. Despite challenging terrain and harsh winter conditions, search and rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate the couple. Specialized equipment and highly trained personnel were employed to navigate the rugged backcountry, ultimately recovering the couple’s bodies from the snow.
Terry and Renee’s identities were confirmed by Sheriff Kent Vander Kamp, who provided a statement expressing both the shock and grief felt by the local community. He described the couple as “having a long history in Central Oregon,” underlining their connection to the area and its people. The Sheriff also offered his heartfelt condolences to their families, emphasizing the profound impact of their loss on everyone who knew them.
While the specific details of the incident remain under investigation, the avalanche serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks of winter recreation, especially in backcountry areas known to be prone to avalanches. The Central Cascade Mountains, while a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, present significant dangers during the winter months, particularly when conditions align for the occurrence of avalanches.
Experts in avalanche safety stress the importance of checking avalanche forecasts before venturing into such terrain. They also recommend carrying the necessary safety gear, such as avalanche beacons, probes, and shovels, as well as undergoing training in avalanche survival techniques. These precautionary measures can make the difference between life and death when exploring remote, snow-covered landscapes.
Sheriff Vander Kamp further cautioned the public, reminding them of the unpredictability of winter conditions and the need for vigilance. He stated, “This is a heartbreaking loss for our community. We urge everyone exploring these areas to prioritize safety and remain aware of potential hazards.”
The deaths of Terry and Renee Skjersaa have left a deep void in the Bend community. As the investigation into the tragic avalanche continues, the people of Bend, as well as the broader Central Oregon community, mourn the loss of two beloved individuals. Their memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew them and in the legacy they leave behind in the area they called home.
In closing, the tragedy underscores the importance of winter safety, the beauty and risks of the natural environment, and the unspoken bond between outdoor lovers who cherish the backcountry. Terry and Renee’s passing is a painful reminder that nature, while magnificent, can be unforgiving when precautions are not taken.