Man killed in Avalanche at Crystal Mountain is identified by medical examiner
A man killed Saturday morning in an avalanche at Crystal Mountain while backcountry skiing with five others was identified Monday.
Robert Weisel, 66, died of multiple blunt force injuries, according to a news release from the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office. Weisel was an Issaquah resident. The office ruled his death an accident.
Weisel and five other men were traveling uphill in the Silver Basin of Crystal Mountain around 10:50 a.m. when an avalanche was triggered, covering the men. According to a statement from Crystal Mountain Resort, the area of the mountain was a closed area not yet open for the season. The area had not been mitigated for avalanches.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased,” the resort wrote in the statement. “We are working closely with the families of all the affected individuals to ensure their continued care.”
Two other backcountry skiers not with the group of men saw the avalanche and reported it to ski patrol, according to the resort.
On Saturday, Crystal Mountain Resort CEO Frank Deberry said the men covered by the avalanche largely rescued themselves as ski patrol was not nearby when the incident occurred. Five members of the party were recovered and survived. Weisel was found unconscious when he was recovered.
The group tried to resuscitate Weisel but was unsuccessful. Ski patrol arrived and escorted the group down the mountain.
This story was originally published December 13, 2021 at 2:33 PM.
