An unfortunate incident unfolded in a secluded area of central Oregon as authorities confirmed the identities of a couple who tragically lost their lives in an avalanche. Terance Olaf Skjersaa, aged 57, and Susan Renee Skjersaa, aged 52, hailed from Bend, Oregon, located roughly 140 miles east of Eugene, according to a statement from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
Responding to distress calls on Monday, the sheriff’s office was alerted to a distressing situation involving backcountry skiers who were engulfed by an avalanche in a region commonly known as “Happy Valley.” Concerns arose when friends of the Skjersaas reported them missing and initiated a search effort on Monday evening upon their failure to return from the outdoor excursion. Tragically, the couple was discovered buried in snow just before midnight, with both individuals having succumbed to the avalanche.
Emergency responders were dispatched to Snowmobile Trail 8 to work on the distressing scene. The sheriff’s office indicated that the avalanche likely took place several hours prior to the discovery of the couple’s bodies. Search-and-rescue teams meticulously retrieved the bodies and conducted an investigation at the site.
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss, Sheriff Kent van der Kamp conveyed his condolences in a statement released on Tuesday, reflecting on the couple’s significant impact within the community and the lives they had influenced. He emphasized the resilience and camaraderie that define the Central Oregon region, making it a cherished place to reside.
Authorities cautioned the public about the prevailing avalanche risk in the Central Cascades area, describing it as “moderate to considerable,” and urged individuals to exercise extreme caution when engaging in recreational activities in the vicinity.
**CORRECTION (Feb. 19, 2025, 8:45 p.m. ET):** A previous version of this article erroneously stated the location of Bend, Oregon, as being 140 miles west of Eugene, when in fact, it is situated 140 miles to the east.
