NH Skier Dies in Avalanche

New Hampshire is mourning the loss of a U.S. Ski Team member who was killed along with another skier in an avalanche overseas, according to news reports and an official notice on the team’s website.

Ronnie Berlack, pictured left, who was 20, was killed earlier today after he and fellow skier Bryce Astle, 19, of Utah, were caught up in an avalanche the Rettenbach Glacier in the Austrian Alps. Four other skiers were not harmed during the avalanche. 

Berlack was named to the U.S. Ski Team’s development team last year.

“Ronnie embodied a love of the mountains and boundless positive energy,” said Jory Macomber, USSA Vice President of Athlete Career and Education and Berlack’s coach at Franconia Ski Club, in a statement. “He was always upbeat and he was super connected to people in the ski racing world. Whenever I brought up his name, people would smile and share wonderful stories. We will really miss him.”

In a statement, U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, D-NH, said she was “deeply saddened” by the deaths of the athletes adding, “My thoughts and prayers go out to their families during this very difficult time.”