SAM Magazine—Squaw Valley, Calif., Jan. 24, 2017—Joe Zuiches, a 42-year-old resident of Olympic Valley and a member of the Squaw Valley professional ski patrol since 2012, was killed in an incident at 8:35 a.m. this morning during avalanche control activities. The cause of the incident, which occurred at the top of Gold Coast Ridge at Squaw Valley, is believed to be the detonation of an explosive charge, the resort said in a statement this afternoon.

North Tahoe Fire Department and the Placer County Sheriff's Office are on scene, and an investigation is underway.

In its statement, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows said, “The team at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is deeply saddened by this tragic event, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends affected.”

“Joe is survived by his wife and infant son. The Joe Zuiches Memorial Fund has been established and is available here through Go Fund Me,” the statement added.

Squaw Valley is closed for the day, while Alpine Meadows is open.

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