David Linder Miami, Florida Death and Obituary – On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, a tragic avalanche in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains claimed the lives of three experienced heli-skiers: David Linder, 39, from Florida; Charles Eppard, 39, from Montana; and Jeremy Leif, 38, from Minnesota. The three men were on a guided heli-skiing trip with Chugach Powder Guides, a reputable operator based near Girdwood, Alaska. Their untimely deaths have sent shockwaves through their families, friends, and the greater skiing community, leaving behind an immense sense of loss.
The avalanche struck at an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet, a notoriously unstable zone in the region. The three men, all seasoned heli-skiers, were buried under an avalanche that stretched down to around 700 feet. The snow debris was estimated to be between 40 to 100 feet deep, and the victims were buried as deep as 45 feet. Despite immediate rescue operations, the scale and depth of the avalanche made recovery efforts challenging. Authorities confirmed the deaths of the three men on Thursday, March 6, after strenuous recovery efforts, highlighting the difficulties in retrieving victims from such dangerous terrain.
The avalanche took place just outside the Turnagain Pass, an area known for backcountry skiing but notorious for unstable snow conditions. Leading up to the event, the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center had issued warnings about weak snowpack conditions, indicating a high risk of avalanches. The avalanche danger had been rated as “considerable” for elevations above 1,500 feet on the day of the tragedy, with subsequent reports raising the risk to “high” in the following days. Unfortunately, these warnings proved insufficient to prevent the deadly event.
All three victims were known for their passion for heli-skiing and adventure. David Linder, a co-owner of Minnesota Radio Mankato, was fondly remembered by his business partner, David Legault, who described him as the “smartest guy” he knew. Their close bond, both professionally and personally, was marked by a shared love of adventure. Similarly, Charles Eppard and Jeremy Leif were also celebrated for their adventurous spirits and their profound impact on those around them. The loss of these three men has been deeply felt by their families and friends, many of whom are left to mourn the passing of individuals who lived life to the fullest.
The Chugach Mountains, known for their breathtaking beauty and challenging terrain, have long been a destination for avid heli-skiers. However, the risks associated with skiing in backcountry areas with unstable snowpacks are well-known. Avalanche experts have consistently warned of the dangers posed by such conditions, emphasizing the importance of avalanche preparedness, proper training, and safety equipment. Despite efforts to improve safety measures in the industry, tragedies like this serve as a stark reminder of the inherent risks of extreme sports like heli-skiing.
In the wake of this tragic event, there has been an outpouring of support for the victims’ families. The community in Girdwood, Alaska, as well as the broader Alaskan skiing community, has come together to offer their condolences and assistance to those affected. This tragedy has prompted a renewed focus on avalanche safety, urging skiers and guides alike to take extra precautions when venturing into areas with high avalanche risks. The accident has also sparked conversations about the balance between adventure and caution in extreme sports, emphasizing the importance of respecting nature’s unpredictable power.
As the families of David Linder, Charles Eppard, and Jeremy Leif grieve their loss, their memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew them. The legacy of their adventurous spirits and their love of the mountains will continue to inspire others to embrace life fully, while also keeping in mind the risks that come with such passions. The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the fragile nature of life, and the need to cherish each moment with loved ones while remaining aware of the risks we face in our pursuit of adventure.