On Tuesday, March 5, 2025, a devastating avalanche struck near Girdwood, Alaska, claiming the lives of three heli-skiers, including Charlie Eppard, a 39-year-old from Montana.
Charlie was part of a guided heli-skiing group that explored the remote Alaskan backcountry, which is accessible only by helicopter.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. near the West Fork of the Twentymile River, known for its breathtaking landscapes and challenging skiing terrain.
Charlie Eppard was a devoted husband to Brittany Mitchell, an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at the Mayo Clinic, and a loving father to their daughter, Belen.
His family and friends remember him as an incredibly thoughtful and hardworking individual who touched many lives.
Charlie’s career as a dealmaker in enterprise software sales at IBM since 2012 was marked by his dedication and passion for his work, which he managed remotely from Montana.
He attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Financial Economics.
His academic and professional achievements were always complemented by his love for adventure and the outdoors, which eventually led him to Alaska for the fateful heli-skiing trip.
The Avalanche That Took Charlie’s Life Was Massive, With Debris Estimated To Be Between 40 And 100 Feet Deep
The incident occurred during a guided heli-skiing excursion managed by Chugach Powder Guides, a well-established company in Alaska.
Guides from the company immediately attempted to locate the missing skiers using avalanche beacons.
Still, they could not reach them due to the depth of the snow and the area’s considerable avalanche risk.
Charlie was skiing with two other men, David Linder from Florida and Jeremy Leif from Minnesota.
All three were caught in the avalanche, and despite efforts to locate them, they could not be recovered due to the hazardous conditions and limited daylight.
The Alaska State Troopers were notified about the incident at 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday, and recovery operations were halted until further assessments could be made.
Following the incident, the Alaska State Troopers and avalanche specialists planned to conduct an aerial evaluation of the avalanche site to assess further risks and develop recovery strategies.
However, adverse weather conditions hindered these efforts initially.
The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center had warned of a “touchy” snowpack in the region, which posed significant risks for backcountry skiers.
Charlie’s Family And Friends Have Been Overwhelmed With grief, But They Are Also Celebrating His Life And Legacy
His mother shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing the family’s sorrow and asking for prayers for Charlie’s wife, Brittany, and their daughter, Belen.
“Our hearts are heavy and we are heartbroken at the loss of our son Charlie Eppard who was caught in an avalanche in Alaska on Tuesday. He was doing what he loved. He was not alone and we know others are feeling our same raw pain as we navigate through this loss. We are asking for prayers for their families and especially for his wife Brittany Mitchell and his daughter Belen.”
Via Facebook
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support the family during this difficult time, with a goal of $25,000.
Charlie’s love for adventure and his passion for skiing were evident in his decision to embark on this heli-skiing trip.
While the incident has shocked his family and community, it also reminds us of the risks and rewards associated with pursuing one’s passions.
Charlie’s memory will live on through his family and the countless lives he touched on this earth.
