Doug Coombs dies in La Grave avalanche

From: www.valdezheliskiguides.com/whatsnew1.html

4/3/06<br><br>Doug Coombs was killed in the mountains today.<br><br>This afternoon we learned of the tragic accident in La Grave, France.<br><br>We are still gathering details and will inform you as we learn more.<br><br>Words can't describe the loss his friends feel now. His impact on Alaska Heli Skiing, Alpine Guiding, and just plain fun-hogging is immeasurable.<br><br>Send you thoughts and prayers to Emily and David Douglas Coombs. They will need you support and love for a long time. <br><br>Sincerely, <br><br>Don Sharaf, Doug Workman, Scott Raynor, Kirsten Kremer, Paul Turecki, Jeff Zell, Eric Henderson, and the many others who had the privelege to work, ski, and smile with Doug over the years.

<br><br>More discussion here: www.telemarktalk.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=21324

Bummer. &gt;<br>I knew he must be a neat guy when I saw that magazine article about him with pictures of him and his wife Emily hiking with their cat perched on the top of Doug's pack. As I recall it seemed that the cat hiked with them a lot. But when the cat got tired Emily just picked it up and gave it a toss towards Doug's pack. It would catch on to the pack, climb up on top, crouch down and ride up there. <br><br>My heart goes out to his wife, son and other loved ones.

Just ain't right. Didn't know him, but saddened as I was by Carl's passing. Shit.<br><br>If anyone has any more details please share.<br><br>

This is horrible news. I saw the photo of Doug on the Valez Heli Guides site with his boy David in his lap...truly heartwrenching. ???<br>Condolences to his family and all those who knew him.<br><br>PS. Phil and Greg are over in La Grave right now. I wonder what the vibe is over there.

NO!  That just can't be true.  It can't be.  What a fantastic guy.  I just attended his steep skiing camp in March and had the unbelievable pleasure of skiing with him for a day.  As I said in my post, it was a day I will never forget -- truly incredible.  I was drinking beers with a friend of mine last night who was also at the camp and we were talking about how great a time we had in La Grave with Doug.  Then, this morning, I hear this news. This is beyond sad.  He was a totally cool, super enthusiastic, go for it guy.  As one of the other guides said on the trip, "Doug has the enthusiasm and energy of a 12-year old."  Every run, no matter how many times he had done it, was still new and exciting.  His attitude towards life and love of the mountains and skiing, perhaps even more than his legendary skiing skill, was for me the thing that made the day so special.<br><br>La Grave is a very small place and a tight community.  I am sure that folks over there are devastated, not too mention how his wife and baby boy must feel.

More information here .