A tragic avalanche near Brighton Ski Resort has claimed the life of 11-year-old Madelyn Eitas, a young skier from Rochester. Authorities confirmed that the avalanche occurred around 12:29 p.m. on February 19 in the Rock Garden area near the resort, prompting an immediate and coordinated emergency response.
According to the Unified Police Department, initial reports indicated one person had been caught in the avalanche. Within minutes, Unified Police and Unified Fire established a joint command center and mobilized rescue teams. Members of Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, including ski patrol units from Brighton and Solitude, quickly joined the urgent search efforts.
Madelyn’s family and more than 20 bystanders immediately sprang into action, desperately trying to locate her beneath the snow. In a remarkable effort, her brother Cameron Eitas used a mobile phone application to help pinpoint her location, allowing rescuers to reach her as quickly as possible. Their swift actions, along with the coordinated efforts of emergency responders, demonstrated extraordinary determination and courage.
Rescuers provided advanced life support at the scene, but due to safety risks and flight limitations, air medical transport was not possible. Instead, Madelyn was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite exhaustive rescue efforts and lifesaving attempts by family members, first responders, and medical staff, she tragically succumbed to her injuries.
The loss of Madelyn has deeply affected both the local Utah community and her hometown in Massachusetts. Authorities expressed their heartfelt condolences to her family, recognizing the immense grief they now face. Community members, responders, and loved ones continue to remember Madelyn as a young life taken far too soon, and her memory remains in the hearts of all those touched by this heartbreaking tragedy.