Body of 2nd Minnesotan skier killed in Alaskan avalanche recovered

The body of a second Minnesotan killed in an Alaskan avalanche earlier this year has been recovered by officials.

As previously reported, three skiers went missing after an avalanche on March 4 near Girdwood, about 40 miles south of Anchorage. Initial rescue efforts were unsuccessful due to the “high risk of additional avalanches” and the location where the men were believed to be buried.

On Oct. 3, the Alaska Department of Public Safety said the body of 39-year-old David Linder, one of the owners of Radio Mankato, was recovered in the avalanche landslide area.

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In an update, Alaskan officials said rescue groups recovered the remains of a second body on Friday, which the State Medical Examiner’s Office identified as 39-year-old Charles Eppard. 

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Eppard grew up in Mankato before moving to Montana, according to his family. Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter also confirmed earlier this year that Eppard attended college there.“Charlie always looked out for me, pushed me, and inspired me to work hard, be a good dad, and build the life that I want. I’ve been lucky to have him as a big brother,” wrote Jon Eppard in an email to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.

The body of the third skier, 38-year-old Jeremy Leif, has not yet been recovered.
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