April 4th, 2020

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE

Victim:  Robert Kincaid, 46 of Victor, ID

     Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies, Search and Rescue, and Air Idaho Rescue were able to resume operations this morning and recover the victim from yesterday’s avalanche, 46 year old Robert Kincaid of Victor Idaho.

     At the time of the avalanche, a party of approximately 10 riders, including Kincaid, were riding together in the Austin Canyon area.  While one rider went to call for help, others in the party immediately began probing and searching for Kincaid with the assistance of 6 other riders that arrived to the area.  

     After approximately 2 1/2 hours of searching, Kincaid was located and despite first aide efforts could not be resuscitated. It was determined that Kincaid was wearing an avalanche beacon but it was not activated at the time of the avalanche.  Its unclear at this time why the beacon was not activated. 

     The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is saddened by this tragedy and the effect its had on the Kincaid family and their friends. Again we remind those who winter recreate to always be prepared for emergencies, be aware of current conditions before you go, and stay away from avalanche prone areas that are dangerous for riders and rescue personnel.

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Original Press Release – 

April 3rd, 2020

PRESS RELEASE

RE: Avalanche Fatality

     At approximately 5:40pm this evening, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the Palisades area to a report of man missing in an avalanche.  The report came in from a snowmobile rider who advised their party was riding North East of the Sheep Creek area when they were caught in an avalanche. The rider advised one male adult had been missing for approximately an hour before they could get to a point with cell service and call for help.

     Deputies, Forest Service Law Enforcement, and Air Idaho Rescue responded to the area and located the remaining riders in the party.  Rescue personnel located the approximate location of the victim but due to weather and terrain conditions were unable to continue with a recovery until tomorrow.

     Deputies and Search and Rescue personnel will resume operations tomorrow.  The victims name and information are being withheld until after family is notified and recovery efforts are finished.

     The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone that conditions for winter recreation are unstable in the high country and risk of avalanche is very high.  The Sheriff’s Office recommends proper evaluation of conditions prior to riding along with preparedness for emergencies with proper safety equipment and training.  Riders should consider that safety equipment, training and experience does not always guarantee safe riding conditions.

     There is no further information available at this time.