Tragic Avalanche Claims Lives of Local Skiing Enthusiasts in Oregon
In a heart-wrenching tale that seems ripped from the pages of a tragic epic, Terance Olaf Skjersaa, 57, and Susan Renee Skjersaa, 52, lost their lives following an avalanche while backcountry skiing in Oregon’s Happy Valley on February 17, 2025. Yes, you heard that right—one minute they’re living their best lives amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Central Oregon mountains, and the next, they’re gone. The couple, beloved members of their Bend community, took a fateful trip to an area known for its steep descents, only to become victims of nature’s unpredictable wrath.
Authorities reported that the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the avalanche after concerned friends of the couple searched for them when they didn’t return. Their bodies were found buried under snow shortly before midnight on February 19. According to Sergeant Jason Wall of the sheriff’s office, the avalanche likely occurred hours before their friends found them. In a dramatic twist fit for a Shakespearean tragedy, friends set out searching for them and ended up discovering not a joyful reunion, but an unimaginable sorrow.
Now, as the Central Oregon Avalanche Center warns of moderate to considerable avalanche danger in the area, it’s a sobering reminder for all adventure seekers out there—nature may be alluring and majestic, but it doesn’t come with a disclaimer. Sheriff Kent van der Kamp shared a heartfelt message about the couple’s positive impact on the community, recognizing their loss as a potent reminder of life’s fragility. The couple had been longtime residents known not just for their skiing prowess but for the warmth they brought to their neighborhood. The Central Oregon Avalanche Center’s Facebook post further echoed this sentiment, extending condolences and highlighting the couple’s deep roots in the local community.
In a world where tragedies strike seemingly without warning, the Skjersaa’s unfortunate end underscores an unfortunate truth: that sometimes the very things we love can lead us down dark paths. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for their loved ones, and a cautionary tale for anyone tempted to roam the pristine but perilous slopes of backcountry skiing. Nevertheless, the couple’s legacy will continue to inspire many outdoor enthusiasts in the years to come, proving once again that life—the good, the bad, and the unexpected—is all part of the adventure we call living.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, Central Oregon Avalanche Center
