March 14, 205 11:05 a.m.  

An avalanche incident at Mt. Bailey near Diamond Lake claimed the life of a Bend man on Thursday afternoon.

A Douglas County Sheriff’s Office report said a group of experienced skiers were skiing on the north/northwest side of Mt. Bailey within the motorized closure area. The group, the fourth one of the day to enjoy cat skiing at Mt. Bailey, a service through Diamond Lake Resort, encountered unforeseen challenges despite prior avalanche test digs earlier in the day.

The avalanche occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. trapping one member of the party, identified as 50-year-old Brian Thomas, under the snow. Despite efforts by fellow party members who swiftly dug him out and attempted lifesaving efforts by two nurses on the scene, Thomas succumbed to his injuries at the remote location.

The report said the group of skiers managed to navigate approximately two miles to the nearest snowmobile trail, where they were met by responders and Diamond Lake Resort staff. Emergency Medical Services assessed others with the ski party who were injured, at Three Lakes Snow Park. One additional member of the group sustained a laceration or puncture during the avalanche, believed to be caused by a branch or ski pole, but declined ambulance transport.

Responding to the incident were Diamond Lake Resort employees, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, DCSO Search and Rescue, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement officers, and Umpqua Valley Ambulance. DCSO also received support from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management Search and Rescue Coordinator.