Idaho skier avalanche fatality

Monday, May 1, 2006 · Last updated 5:42 a.m. PT

Spokane man dies in north Idaho avalanche

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MULLAN, Idaho -- A skier from Spokane, Wash., died in an avalanche near 6,838-foot Stevens Peak, Shoshone County sheriff's deputies said.

The body of Mark Davidson Tuggle, 50, was recovered Sunday, a day after he was reported missing in a rugged area about 2 1/2 miles south of this north Idaho town. Deputies say he apparently died from being hit by trees or rocks in the avalanche.

Deputies said a friend saw Tuggle get hit by the slide and searched for him without success until nightfall, then hiked back to his car and alerted authorities.

Search and rescue crews were unable to begin looking for the missing man until Sunday morning because of darkness and the continuing avalanche danger, deputies said.

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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, www.spokesmanreview.com

That's a bummer. My best goes out to Mark's family and friends...Here is a picture for reference of the area... Stevens Peak was my first real backcounty ski trip as a teenager and it brings back good memories....