A Colorado skier lost his life tragically after getting buried in an avalanche. While the 57-year-old was an avid outdoorsman, his tryst with destiny did not go as planned. Despite once being a member of the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team himself, this skier failed to save himself after the harsh weather of Colorado reigned supreme. The region received an abnormal amount of snowfall back in November 2024. However, come December, things were relatively dry, which created a weak snowpack mostly consisting of facets. 

Things only became worse since late December witnessed several heavy storms that lasted till early January. Such a phenomenon dropped almost 24 inches of snow on the weak, faceted snowpack. Unfortunately, Donald Moden Jr. could not keep himself off the avalanche threat and sadly succumbed to his demise on January 7, 2025. With no communication from Moden Jr., his wife immediately began to search for him under the snow. 

Worried about her husband, the woman immediately turned her avalanche transceiver on. This was when she began to receive signals from her husband’s transceiver. Without wasting much time, she immediately contacted the Ouray County Sheriff’s office and headed towards the transceiver’s signal herself. While she immediately discovered Moden Jr. with an avalanche probe, she called out to other skiers for help. What was even more saddening was the fact that the 57-year-old was wearing an avalanche airbag backpack. But as per reports from ‘The Colorado Sun’, it was never deployed. 

Following the gruesome incident, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center(CAIC) led a full-fledged investigation. According to the report, the incident took place in an area known as ‘Bollywood’ which was near the Red Number 3 zone on the Red Mountain Pass of the San Juan Mountain. As for the avalanche, it was classified as a D2 slide, with its crown estimated to be between 1.5 and 3 feet deep. Donald Moden Jr. was expectedly buried over four hours before his lifeless body was rescued. 

CAIC also pointed out that the veteran skier was on the seventh day of his run. Unfortunately, he was buried too deeply to be able to climb out of danger. The report read, “He had skied on Red Mountain Pass for 16 years and knew the terrain on Red Number 3 well… He chose his terrain as appropriate for the day based on his previous experience of the slope and the snowpack.” Surely, such news has created a deep sense of gloom in the skiing community. After all, Donald Moden Jr. was extremely well-versed with the wilderness. He went on several adventures throughout his life. 

Donald Moden Jr.’s life at a glance

Donald Moden Jr. graduated from the Arizona State University in Information Systems. Tying the knot with his best friend Brenda in 1993, the duo lived happily in Arizona before moving to Ouray County back in 2007. However, despite being an IT professional, nature lured him the most. Moden Jr. was always attracted to endurance sports and outdoor adventures with Brenda and his Labrador, Disa by his side. 

His keen interest towards endurance sports made him accomplish quite a significant amount of accolades. Moden Jr. secured first positions in gravel cycling, and mountain biking. He also took part in Eco-Challenges and boasted of three Ironman finishes in triathlons. Continuing his long list of attractions towards adventure sports, the 57-year-old participated in ultramarathons, deep water scuba diving, and ice climbing. He also had significant expertise in shooting as he navigated the San Juan mountain region with his rifle, bow, and muzzleloader for 16 years. 

The deceased 57-year-old also took great pride in being a member of the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team. Taking part in regular search and rescue operations, Moden Jr. felt good in trying to make a positive impact on society. At the time of his sad demise, Donald Moden Jr. is survived by his wife, mother, and other family members. As per reports from ‘Ouray County Plaindealer’, the family will not conduct any services. However, come summer, an outdoor celebration of life will be held in order to pay respect to the late skier. EssentiallySports extends its heartfelt condolences to Donald Moden Jr.’s family and prays for his soul to Rest In Peace.