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Canmore Skier Passes Away After Rockies Avalanche

Laura Kosakoski, 34, was a family doctor, athlete and loving wife

An avalanche on Mount Hector on the Icefields Parkways buried Canmore skier and family physician, Dr. Laura Kosakoski, for nearly an hour on Jan. 11. Her husband, Adam Campbell, and another skier were able to reach her and coordinate a rescue.

Kosakoski , 34, survived the rescue and was transported to Foothills Hospital in Calgary in a STARS air ambulance. Kosakoski ‘s heart had stopped, but the doctors got it to pump again. She was hypothermic after the accident and was put in ICU. She passed away with Campbell by her side.

Kosakoski was a competitive athlete, loving wife and friend to many in the climbing, skiing and Bow Valley community. Read an interview with Campbell by the CBC about the accident here. Our deepest condolences to Kosakoski ‘s family and friends.

Laura Kosakoski Photo Adam Campbell

The Avalanche

The avalanche was reported on the Mountain Information Network as: “Serious accident today. Party possibly remotely triggered the size 2.5 avalanche on Mt. Hector.

“It may have started as a windslab release with possible involvement of the upper surface hoar/facet/stellar Dec 31 persistent layer, which then stepped down to the weak basal deep persistent layer in places, see photo.”

Always check avalanche conditions here before heading out.

The avalanche on Mount Hector / avalanche.ca

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