Jackson man killed in backcountry skiing avalanche in Grand Teton National Park
Nick Gillespie caught in avalanche
by Grand Teton National Park
January 28, 2013
Moose, Wyoming— On Monday morning, Grand Teton National Park rangers began a recovery mission for the body of a backcountry skier who died in an avalanche on Sunday, January 27. Nick Gillespie, age 30, of Jackson, Wyoming, was caught in an avalanche on the southeast face of Survey Peak in the northern Teton Range about 5 p.m. Sunday and died as a result of injuries suffered in the slide. Gillespie was a long-time seasonal employee of Grand Teton National Park who worked on the park’s trail crew for the past six years.
Rangers enlisted the assistance of the Teton County Search and Rescue contract helicopter and crew for the recovery mission. Teton Interagency helitack personnel assisted with a temporary helibase established near Colter Bay, 25 miles north of Moran Junction. Four rangers were inserted into Berry Creek canyon on Monday about 11 a.m. Recovery of Gillespie’s body and an investigation into the details of the incident are ongoing. Further information will be provided when available.
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