Alaska Avalanche Victim Identified, Search Continues for Two Others
The remains of a heli-skier killed in a March avalanche near Girdwood, Alaska, have been identified as 39-year-old David Linder of Florida, while the search continues for two other men presumed dead.
Linder’s body was recovered today, October 13, 2025, months after the avalanche struck near the west fork of Twentymile River, approximately 10 miles south of Girdwood along the Seward Highway. The other two skiers involved have not yet been identified: 39-year-old Charles Eppard of Montana and 38-year-old Jeremy Leif of Minnesota. The recovery of avalanche victims can be significantly delayed due to the challenging terrain and weather conditions in the Chugach Mountains.
The avalanche occurred around 3:30 p.m. on March 4. Chugach Powder Guides, the company providing access to the slopes, confirmed all three men had deployed their avalanche airbags before being swept away. Initial recovery efforts were hampered by dangerous conditions. The Alaska Mountain Rescue Group and the Girdwood Volunteer Fire Department assisted in locating Linder’s remains, utilizing a Department of Public Safety helicopter. You can learn more about avalanche safety and preparedness from the American Avalanche Association.
Next of kin have been notified. Authorities continue to search for Eppard and Leif, and updates will be provided as they become available. Understanding avalanche terrain is crucial for backcountry safety; resources are available through the Forest Service National Avalanche Center.
