Tucker Challan Obituary, Death; – A teenager lost his life after causing an avalanche at a mountain pass in southern Alaska, as reported by authorities, marking the fourth avalanche-related death in the state this month.
The remains of 16-year-old Tucker Challan from Soldotna were retrieved from the avalanche site on Sunday morning by the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group, according to state troopers. His body was subsequently transported to the state medical examiner’s office, and his family has been informed, as confirmed by the troopers.
Troopers received a notification regarding a “fatal avalanche” shortly after 2:30 p.m. local time on Saturday in Turnagain Pass, a well-known winter recreation area within the Chugach National Forest, located approximately 60 miles southeast of Anchorage, Alaska. “A group of snowmobilers was riding on the backside of Seattle Ridge, which lies northwest of the Seward Highway,” the troopers stated. “Witnesses reported that Challan triggered an avalanche and perished after being buried.”
Challan’s body was found in a hazardous area, which hindered recovery efforts until Sunday, according to the troopers. Avalanche experts have been cautioning individuals about unstable conditions in Turnagain Pass due to a weak layer of snow for several weeks.
The avalanche on Saturday occurred just one day after the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center reported four human-triggered avalanches in the Seattle Creek drainage. Fortunately, no one was caught or injured in those incidents, although the center noted signs of instability in the region.
In a preliminary report regarding Saturday’s avalanche, the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center indicated that it took place in an area known as the Warmup Bowl.
The center reported that the avalanche was triggered by Challan, who was subsequently buried under 10 feet of snow. The report also mentioned that the avalanche crown was between 2 to 3 feet deep and approximately 500 feet wide.
“Riders from several other groups in the vicinity responded promptly and were able to rescue the buried rider about one hour after the avalanche occurred, which is notably quick given the circumstances.”
