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Amanda Butterfield Reporting The friend of the snowboarder who was killed by an avalanche last Monday talked to KSL today. He not only tells his story of what happened, he has a message to share.
Jerry Romney was only a few feet away when the snow gave way underneath Atilio Cremaschi, and now he's trying to make sure his friend's body gets back to his homeland of Chile.
Jerry Romney, Snowboarder: "He had the greatest smile, anyone will tell you that."
Jerry Romney and Atilio Cremashi were best friends.
Jerry Romney, Snowboarder: "I've been boarding with him almost every day for the past four months."
Last Monday, as they were on the slopes of Brighton, as usual, they spotted a run down Pioneer Ridge they wanted to give a try.
Jerry Romney: "We were having the best time, he was so happy."
It was getting late, but still they hiked to the top.
Jerry Romney: "It was a dangerous day, knew getting warm fast."
And as Atilio was peering over the ridge, the snow beneath him gave way.
Jerry Romney: "Classis crack, and whumpf, and then the sound of trees breaking. I was about three feet from him, our hands when we were reaching for each other about foot half apart. I reached into the snow with board, but couldn't get his hand. Somehow, he went and I didn't."
Romney went straight to ski patrol, who found Cremashi 25 minutes later.
Jerry Romney: "They unburied him, tried to resuscitate him. I wanted to help but I couldn't."
But now Romney is helping, by getting the word out they need to raise about $5,000 to get Atilio's body back to Chile.
Jerry Romney: "We need to get him home for his family."
Jason Velez, Friend: "His dad hasn't even left his room since this all happened."
Jason Velez, a close family friend, told Atilio's family what happened, and say's they're devastated. That's why they've set up a memorial fund.
Jason Velez: "Our big thing is getting his body down there."
Romney also plans to go back to Chile this summer to meet his best friend's family. In the meantime, he'll keep on riding.
Jerry Romney: "He'd be wanting me to snowboard right now."
That memorial fund is set up at U.S. Bank branches, under Atilio Cremashi. There will also be a memorial snowboard ride down Brighton tomorrow at 3:00 at the base of Crest.
