This morning at approximately 11:11 am, the Alaska State troopers were notified of an avalanche with two victims involved.

The avalanche occurred at about mile 33 of the Haines Highway. The investigation done by troopers showed that a group of six skiers were heli-skiing on Takhine Ridge when the event occurred.

Another group was nearby when the avalanche hit and were able to assist the first group with recovery efforts.One skier, identified as Robert Liberman, 35, of Telluride, Colorado, was buried in the avalanche. He died at the scene.

Another victim of the avalanche was pulled from the snow and transported to Seattle. That person’s name has been withheld until next of kin can be contacted and notified.

All skiers are now out of the field and all are accounted for. All skiers in the incident were wearing beacons when the avalanche occurred.