Idaho Doctor Killed in Tragic Avalanche while Skiing

A beloved doctor and avid skier, Dr. Terrence "Terry" O'Connor, lost his life in a devastating avalanche while enjoying his passion in Idaho's backcountry.

Dr. Terrence "Terry" O'Connor, a cherished member of the Ketchum, Idaho community and a dedicated emergency room physician at St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center, met an untimely and tragic end when a snow avalanche engulfed him while skiing on Donaldson Peak.

The incident occurred on Friday, leaving O'Connor, an experienced backcountry skier, as the sole victim. He was accompanied by a fellow skier, who witnessed the horrific event unfold.

According to the Sawtooth Avalanche Center, the avalanche occurred around 11:55 a.m. while O'Connor and his partner were preparing for their descent. O'Connor, referred to as "Skier 1" in official reports, inadvertently triggered a small wind slab avalanche while downclimbing.

Tragically, this initial slide triggered a subsequent, larger avalanche, sweeping O'Connor downhill with immense force. His partner, "Skier 2," reacted with remarkable composure and swiftness.

Utilizing a satellite communication device, Skier 2 immediately summoned help. Armed with a rescue transceiver and probe pole, she located O'Connor's buried body beneath five feet of snow.

With unwavering determination, Skier 2 dug her partner out with a shovel and initiated CPR. Search and rescue teams arrived promptly and evacuated O'Connor, but their efforts to save his life proved futile.

O'Connor's passing has sent shockwaves through the community. He was not only a skilled physician but also an avid outdoorsman and a passionate advocate for public health.

The Idaho EMS Physician Commission, with which O'Connor was previously affiliated, expressed its heartfelt condolences, recognizing his pivotal role during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social media platforms have become a testament to O'Connor's legacy, filled with messages of sympathy and admiration from those who knew him. Community members have hailed him as a hero and an inspiration, mourning the loss of a dedicated and compassionate soul.

Investigators from the Custer County Coroner's Office are currently examining the circumstances surrounding O'Connor's tragic demise. The avalanche serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with backcountry skiing and the importance of taking necessary precautions.

While O'Connor's life has been tragically cut short, his memory will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched as a physician, friend, and outdoor enthusiast.