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LINCOLN COUNTY, Wyoming — A young Utah father of three died Friday after being buried in an avalanche while snowmobiling.
Brennan Walpole, 35, was riding in the Commissary Ridge area of the Salt River Range in Lincoln County when the avalanche was triggered, the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center told EastIdahoNews.com.
Two other snowmobilers were partially buried but escaped without injury.
Walpole was buried for 8 to 10 minutes and was flown by medical helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center where he later died.
Avalanche Center Director Bob Comey told Jackson Hole News & Guide that Walpole was part of a group of 15 to 18 snowmobilers from Utah. He was following a rider across a steep slope when the avalanche broke around 1 p.m., sweeping them down the face.
Another group of snowmobilers reportedly saw the incident and began to aid in the search. They used an avalanche beacon to locate Walpole's position and saw his helmet sticking out of the snow.
Walpole lived in Spanish Fork and is the father of two daughters, ages 8 and 5, and a 6-month-old son.
"Brennan lived life to the fullest! He loved life, his family, and his friends. Unfortunately, Brennan left this life too early as he was only 35 years-old," a GoFundMe page reads.
Donations are being accepted on GoFundMe* to pay for funeral expenses.
*KSL.com does not assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
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