Tributes are pouring in for Whistler pro snowboarder Jeff Keenan, identified as one of three people who died in an avalanche near Nelson on Monday, March 24.
Keenan, 44, a co-founder of gear brand Dinosaurs Will Die, was riding in a group of four when tragedy struck.
Police said in a March 25 release the avalanche occurred in the alpine area on the east side of Kootenay Lake just before 1 p.m. on March 24.
Jason Remple, 53, from Kaslo, and Alex Pashley, 45, from Idaho, also died in the incident. A fourth skier, 40, from nearby Nelson, is in critical condition.
"I just want to recognize and honour Jeff's kindness, passion and his empathy. Jeff really was the personification of kindness," said Mayor Jack Crompton at the March 25 Whistler council meeting.
"Jeff's contributions to snowboarding were immense, but they were overshadowed by the love and generosity he shared with his family and friends and community. The news of Jeff's passing feels too tragic to be true and our hearts go out to those closest to him. As we reflect on his legacy we'll do our best to follow in his tracks that embody those qualities to live with kindness, dedication, love and authenticity."
North Vancouver's Mount Seymour posted a tribute of its own on social media.
"Jeff was a huge part of the snowboard community at Mt. Seymour and the wider landscape. His younger days were spent here as part of the Skids (Seymour Kids), a crew of snowboarders that helped define snowboarding in the ’90s and ’00s," it read.
"More recently, Jeff was part of the group of riders that spawned the Baked Salmon Banked Slalom, hosted on Mt. Seymour. Jeff and his friends worked tirelessly to bring that event to life and create a space for the snowboard community to thrive.
"Jeff will be missed, but his spirit will ride on!"
According to police, on March 24, "two groups of skiers had just finished skiing the bowl and were waiting in a staging area below the treeline of Clute Creek water shed. A transport helicopter was nearing the group when the pilot observed an avalanche and sounded the siren."
One group of skiers was able to get out of harm's way, while the other group of four was swept away into the treeline, the release said.
Kaslo RCMP will continue to assist the BC Coroners Service in the investigation, the release said.
Check back with Pique for more as this story develops...
