UPDATE: Missing Lake Tahoe skier found dead
A skier who was reported missing Monday at a Lake Tahoe ski resort was found dead Tuesday morning, immersed in deep snow, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
Heavenly Ski Patrol, with the assistance of a K9 search dog, located the missing skier, Brett Herrick, age 62, from Seaside, Calif., at around 10 a.m.
Herrick was found in the Aries Woods, between the Comet and Dipper runs. Herrick was located in the wooded area, about 100 feet from the groomed trail. He was immersed in deep snow.
Initial investigation indicates Herrick crashed into very deep powder and could not self-rescue and likely suffocated or died from exposure. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Family has been notified.
On Monday at around 4:30 p.m. Douglas County Emergency Communications received a call from Heavenly Ski Resort, reporting a lost skier. Herrick was last seen by his girlfriend on the Comet Run at around 11:30 a.m. The Comet Run is located off the Stagecoach Lodge area of Heavenly Ski Resort.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team was activated and launched a search and rescue mission. DCSAR was assisted by a helicopter aerial search from Naval Air Station, Fallon on Monday night.