This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A man trapped in an avalanche Saturday in the Sanpete County backcountry has died from injuries.
Garrett Smith, 26, was unconscious when he was pulled from the snow Saturday. He was flown to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, where he died Sunday, hospital spokeswoman Janet Frank said.
In a statement released through the hospital, Smith's family said he was "a fun-loving, thoughtful, honorable husband; a doting uncle, son and brother who was totally dedicated to the love of his life and chasing their dreams together."
About 11:30 a.m. Saturday, the group of skiers was on Horseshoe Mountain east of Ephraim trying to dig a snow pit to assess avalanche danger, authorities said.
Smith and two others were caught when the snow gave way.
One of the skiers dug out another who was partially buried. The two then pulled out Smith, who was completely covered, and administered CPR.
The family said Smith loved being in the backcountry and took "every known precaution possible and did everything right, but all risks cannot be mitigated."
On Saturday, Utah Avalanche Center forecaster Brett Kobernik said Utah is still in the thick of avalanche season, which runs from early November to the middle of April.
Smith's family thanked rescue workers for their efforts. "Even though Garrett has passed, the rescue was successful in bringing him back to us so that goodbyes could be said with family and loved ones."