December 28 2008 is a day we will never forget. Multiple avalanches swept away the lives of eight Sparwood residents while snowmobiling in the 29-mile Howell Creek area. We are all in a state of shock but none so much as the families and friends of the departed.
Now is the time to focus on supporting the families of these men, not to find fault in anyone’s actions. True heroes are no longer with us due to their unselfish willingness to help their friends.
All these men were experienced and well equipped to recreate in the backcountry. They loved their sport, had reverence for the mountains, and were obviously very committed to each other.
The Fernie Snowmobile Association would like to
send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of:
- Kurt Kabel
- Warren Rothel
- Kane Rusnak
- Leonard Stier
- Michael Stier
- Thomas Talarico
-Blayne Wilson
-Daniel Bjarnason
In recognition of this tragedy the Fernie Snowmobile Association will be working in collaboration with the Sparwood Snowmobile Club (Elk Valley Mountaineers) to analyze the circumstances that lead up to this event and see if it is possible to make improvements in order to prevent another incident as this from happening in the future.
Paul Kramer
President
Fernie Snowmobile Association