Community Corner

Former Lafayette Man One Of Three Killed In Backcountry Avalanche

Chris Rudolph grew up in Lafayette but left California for the deep powder of Stevens Pass, Washington.

 

A veteran skier and former Lafayette resident was one of three people killed in a backcountry avalanche in Washington State Sunday.

Chris Rudolph, 30, grew up in Lafayette, and moved to Leavenworth, Wash. several years ago to take a job as the marketing director for nearby Stevens Pass ski area, a job friends and colleagues said Tuesday he pursued with passion. His family no longer live in the area.

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On Sunday, Rudolph was with two friends, Jim Jack and John Brenan -- also  expert skiers -- leading a "ski-media" excursion around Stevens Pass and popular out of bounds areas in the backcountry, a resort spokesman said. The area above Tunnel Creek Canyon Road, where they died, was one of their favorite spots to ski, he said.

Rudolph's passion for the sport and Stevens Pass was well known.

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"I think it was the love of life that also took them to the love of adventure,” said Nancy Smith, director of the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, told the Seattle Times. “It was always present. It was always present in their essence and their being and they just emulated the fun and exceptional spirit. And skill. Extraordinary skill."

The three men died when an avalanche swept them 2,000 feet down a debris-filled chute. A fourth skier was able to deploy an avalanche "airbag" she said saved her life.

A celebration of Chris Rudolph's life will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. at Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church in Moraga.


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