Avalanche Wraps Back-Country Skier Around Tree
Two Other Skiers Dig Themselves Out Of Snowslide
POSTED: 8:14 a.m. MST January 20, 2003
UPDATED: 2:15 p.m. MST January 20, 2003
GEORGETOWN, Colo. -- An injured skier who was trapped in an avalanche on Jones Pass Sunday afternoon said he's grateful to be alive.
The snow slide occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on the lower portion of Berthoud Pass, just off Highway 40, 7NEWS reported.
John Jaycox (pictured, right), 50, was skiing above timberline with two other people when the snow gave way. The slide temporarily trapped two backcountry skiers but they were able to dig themselves out.
Jaycox suffered a broken leg after being pushed down the hillside and wrapped around a tree.
A friend called authorities for help, and rescue teams quickly responded.
Flight for Life airlifted rescue crews to the top of the peak.
"I'm glad to be here," Jaycox told 7NEWS as he was strapped on a gurney, awaiting to be airlifted to Saint Anthony's Hospital in Denver.
His friend (pictured, left) told 7NEWS that the avalanche was sudden and unexpected.
"You do everything right, you make one mistake in judgment and the snowpack can go. We had beacons, we had shovels. It's just that we were skiing near trees, and it's just that sometimes, you have to be a little more careful with any snowpack," the friend told 7NEWS.
The friend was not identified.
The snow slide occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on the lower portion of Berthoud Pass, just off Highway 40, 7NEWS reported.
John Jaycox (pictured, right), 50, was skiing above timberline with two other people when the snow gave way. The slide temporarily trapped two backcountry skiers but they were able to dig themselves out.
Jaycox suffered a broken leg after being pushed down the hillside and wrapped around a tree.
A friend called authorities for help, and rescue teams quickly responded.
Flight for Life airlifted rescue crews to the top of the peak.
"I'm glad to be here," Jaycox told 7NEWS as he was strapped on a gurney, awaiting to be airlifted to Saint Anthony's Hospital in Denver.
His friend (pictured, left) told 7NEWS that the avalanche was sudden and unexpected.
"You do everything right, you make one mistake in judgment and the snowpack can go. We had beacons, we had shovels. It's just that we were skiing near trees, and it's just that sometimes, you have to be a little more careful with any snowpack," the friend told 7NEWS.
The friend was not identified.
Copyright 2003 by TheDenverChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
