Terance Olaf Skjersaa,Susan Renee Skjersaa Obituary, Death; – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the identities of the Bend couple who tragically lost their lives in an avalanche.
Authorities have identified the deceased as Terance Olaf Skjersaa, aged 57, and Susan Renee Skjersaa, aged 52. Their bodies were discovered on February 17. The couple was reported missing that evening, which led friends to initiate a search for them.
Just before midnight, the friends located the skiers buried beneath the avalanche. It is believed that the avalanche occurred several hours prior to their discovery. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team sent two members to the site overnight, and additional personnel, along with a deputy, arrived the following morning to assist with the investigation and recovery efforts.
“I am profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of this couple, who perished in the avalanche while enjoying the backcountry of Central Oregon,” stated Sheriff Kent van der Kamp in a news release. “Their longstanding presence in our community and the impact they had on others reflect the spirit and resilience that define Central Oregon as a remarkable place to live. On behalf of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and our entire community, I offer my sincere condolences to their family and friends during this challenging time.”
The avalanche was reported near Snowmobile Trail 8, as noted by the Central Oregon Avalanche Center on social media.
A preliminary report from the center indicates that the couple was backcountry skiing on Monday when they were engulfed by a “D2, Storm Slab avalanche,” which occurred at an elevation of 6,700 feet on a south-facing slope. The average depth of the avalanche was nearly 1.5 feet, and it descended 320 vertical feet into a cluster of trees.
The center has stated that the cause of the avalanche remains uncertain, but it is probable that the skiers inadvertently triggered it.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved the couple who tragically lost their lives while pursuing their passion,” said Lauren Altemari, development director for the center, in an email to KATU. “As long-time residents of Central Oregon, they have left a lasting impact on our community.”