Tragedy struck a Massachusetts family during a skiing trip to Utah when an 11-year-old girl lost her life in an avalanche. Authorities have identified the young victim as Madelyn Eitas from Rochester, Massachusetts.
The avalanche occurred at Brighton Ski Resort around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, according to police reports. The Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake revealed that when they arrived at the scene, Madelyn’s family, along with more than 20 individuals nearby, had already initiated search and rescue operations.
In a remarkable act of bravery, Madelyn’s brother, Cameron Eitas, played a crucial role in locating her. He used an unspecified application to track her position, earning commendation from the police for his heroic efforts.
Madelyn, fondly remembered by her community as a passionate soccer player, was found by her brother and swiftly attended by first responders who performed life-saving procedures. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, she tragically succumbed to her injuries.
This heartbreaking incident casts a shadow over what was intended to be a joyful family vacation, leaving a community in mourning for a young life taken too soon. The Eitas family, and those who knew Madelyn, are left to cherish memories of her vibrant spirit and love for soccer.
Once Madelyn was located, first responders began life-saving measures on her before she was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. She died at the hospital.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” they said. “The communities here in Utah, as well as the family’s home community in Massachusetts, now have the important responsibility of rallying around the family to provide support, compassion, and comfort in the times ahead.”
The child, identified as Madelyn Eitas from Rochester, Mass., was backcountry skiing with her family near the Brighton Ski Resort on Thursday when she was buried in the slide. (Becky Eitas/Facebook)
Madelyn was remembered for her love of soccer, her family and friends. The 11-year-old was a “beloved” member of the 6th. grade travel team with the Marine Soccer team.
“Maddie was a bright and wonderful girl who left a lasting impact on her family, friends, coaches, teammates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. This devastating news has deeply affected our entire community, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” the team shared in a social media post.
In a statement, the Rochester, Massachusetts Police Department offered condolences to Madelyn’s family and rallied the family’s community to rally around the grieving family.
“Madelyn, a young member of our Rochester community, lost her life in an avalanche while on vacation with her family in Utah. There are simply no words that can fully capture the weight of this loss or the heartbreak her family is experiencing. A life so young, full of promise, kindness, and joy, taken far too soon,” they said.
Madelyn’s death came a day after another similar snow slide near a Utah ski resort killed a father who was out snowmobiling with his son, who survived. That incident took place around 4 p.m. on Feb. 18 in the Snake Creek area west of Midway, the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) said in a press release.
“Investigation determined that an adult male and his juvenile son were snowmobiling in the area when the avalanche occurred. The adult male was caught and buried in the slide,” the sheriff’s office said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Brighton Ski Resort for comment.
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