2:00 p.m. update – 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 a fatal incident at 8:35 a.m. Tuesday morning, prior to regularly scheduled operations, during avalanche control activities at the top of Gold Coast Ridge at Squaw Valley. The cause is believed to be the detonation of an explosive charge. An investigation is ongoing in cooperation with the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and North Tahoe Fire Department.
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.
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An investigation is underway into the death of Squaw Valley ski patroller Joe Zuiches on Tuesday at the resort. Zuiches, a 42 year-old resident of Olympic Valley and a member of the Squaw Valley professional ski patrol since 2012, was killed in a fatal incident at 8:35 a.m. during avalanche control activities on top of Gold Coast Ridge.
According to resort officials, the incident does not appear to be avalanche related and North Tahoe Fire Department and the Placer County Sheriff’s Office are on scene conducting the investigation.
“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,” Squaw Valley said in a press release. They will be holding a press conference at 2:00 p.m.
Squaw Valley will be closed for the day. Alpine Meadows will be open today.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.