On 2-24-95 41 year old Alex Iliev died in an avalanche occuring on
Douglas Island, Juneau, Alaska. Iliev was cross-country skiing just
below a ridge on Mt. Troy when he apparently triggered the avalanche
which killed him. Ski tracks at the scene indicate Iliev was near
the crown of the avalanche, at about 2800 feet elevation, when a
large slab broke loose. The avalanche carried him down to the 1200
foot level.
During the avalanche, one of Iliev's skis came off, but the left one
remained on. This caused a massive fracture/trauma injury to the
femur of the left leg. This injury alone would probably have been
fatal.
Iliev also sustained other fractures and internal injuries. After a
search lasting one night and one day, searchers found Iliev's body
under about six inches of snow, at the lower left edge of the
avalanche run-out zone. Only a portion of Iliev's right glove was
above the snow to indicate his presence.
Alex Iliev was an extremely active and experienced skier. At the
time of his death he was working for the US Weather Service in
Juneau. He had worked for several years as a professional ski
patroller and avalanche officer at a Washington ski resort. He is
survived by his wife and a baby boy who was born several months
after his death.
Trooper Chuck Lamica, Alaska State Troopers, Juneau
Thanks Dave for posting the info on Alex. He was a really nice guy and a good skiier. Sounds like he was doing work he enjoyed. The saddest part is that he never met his son. Rest in piece Alex!
Joseph Maso
I'm sad to hear about Alex's passing. I always liked him.
David Seminara
Linda Rettke (Wood)
OMG - God rest his soul. What a terrrible end.
Joseph Maso
I haven't been able to stop thinking about him and his sad untimely death. And to think that his son never got to meet him.
Kathleen Cox (Boardman)
Thanks Dave for posting the info on Alex. He was a really nice guy and a good skiier. Sounds like he was doing work he enjoyed. The saddest part is that he never met his son. Rest in piece Alex!
Renee Smack (Karakatsanis)
So sad, my condolences to his family especially his wife.