JACKSON, WYOMING – An Osage man who was snowmobiling with friends in Wyoming was trapped in an avalanche Tuesday and did not survive.
According to a bulletin supplied to NIT from the Teton County Sheriff’s Office, on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at 2:47 PM, the Teton County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) dispatch received a 911 call regarding an avalanche on Togwotee Pass, 1.5 miles east of the Togwotee Mountain Lodge and approximately 300 yards north of Hwy 287.
Further information indicated there was one person buried in the avalanche and that rescuers were attempting to locate that person. The victim, who was later identified as Tyler A. Tourtellott, age 27, from Osage, Iowa, was found by his companions and Togwotee Mountain Lodge guides (who were in the area). In addition, Rangers from Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) as well as a GTNP ambulance responded. Deputies from TCSO and Teton County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (TCSOSAR) also responded from Jackson. TCSOSAR responded by helicopter, with TCSOSAR Dr. AJ Wheeler on board in an effort to provide advanced life support.
After rescuers located and removed Tourtellott from the snow slide, they provided CPR and medical aid for more than 30 minutes with no success in saving him. Dr. Wheeler subsequently pronounced Tourtellott dead at the scene.
Investigation by TCSO deputies, assisted by GTNP Rangers, revealed that Tourtellott was in the area snowmobiling with three companions, all from the Osage, Iowa area. They were riding individual snowmobiles when Tourtellott became stuck on a hillside. As one of his companions rode up the hill to assist, a snow slide commenced pushing Tourtellott (who was off of his snowmobile) into a tree down below; eventually burying him and his snowmobile at the base of the tree. The companion who rode to assist was able to avoid the snow slide and rode to safety. Search and rescue efforts began almost immediately by Tourtellott’s companions who were joined shortly by Togwotee Mountain Lodge guides. GTNP Rangers arrived and assisted as well.
Teton County Coroner’s Office responded. The exact cause of death is pending confirmation by the Coroner.
