SNOWBIRD, Utah - A professional skier and Minnesota native died in an avalanche in Utah on Sunday.
Jamie Pierre triggered the avalanche while snowboarding at the unopened Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, south east of Salt Lake City.
Recent snowfall in the area has made the trails like back country conditions, and avalanche control is not being done yet.
In 2006, Pierre set the world record cliff jump with skis at 255 feet.
Officials say the incident is a tragic reminder of why skiing at resorts that are not open is so dangerous.
Pierre was living in Big Sky, Montana, but is originally from Minnetonka.
The family has created a memorial fund. Donations can be made to:
The Jamie Pierre Memorial Fund
At any US Bank or 1-800-USBANKS
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