72-Year-Old Dies in Snowboarding 'Tragedy' Two Days Before New Year: 'Truly a Legend'

Mar. 15, 2025

Stock image of a person snowboarding.Photo:getty

getty

A 72-year-old snowboarder in Idaho died after a tragic accident on the slopes two days before the new year.

California native Charles “Charlie” G. Fletcher Jr. died on Monday, Dec. 30, as a result of accidental “asphyxia due to snow immersion in a tree well” at the Schweitzer ski resort, according toThe Spokesman-ReviewandThe Bonner County Daily Bee, citing the Bonner County Coroner.

TheNational Ski Areas Associationdescribes a tree-well immersion accident as “when a skier or rider falls into an area of deep, unconsolidated snow, becomes immobilized, and suffocates.”

Fletcher Jr. was reported missing around 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 30, near the black diamond Detention ski run in the Outback Bowl, the back side of the resort, per the outlets. Black diamond slopes are designed for advanced skiers due to their steep terrain, perSnow.com.

Photo of Schweitzer mountain.google maps

google maps

The Schweitzer Ski Patrol found Fletcher Jr. with the help of another person skiing in the area and was pronounced dead once he was taken to the base of the resort, perThe Idaho Statesman.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Bonner County Coroner and the Schweitzer ski resort for comment.

Schweitzer confirmed Fletcher Jr.’s death in astatementshared across social media on Thursday, Jan 2.

“It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the recent loss of a cherished member of our Schweitzer family,” the statement read. “A long-time Schweitzer pass holder tragically passed away following a snowboarding incident in Outback Bowl.”

The ski resort extended its condolences to Fletcher Jr.’s family and friends “during this incredibly difficult time.”

Stock image of a person snowboarding.getty

Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Orange County also confirmed Fletcher Jr.’s death in aFacebookstatement on Monday, Jan 6.

“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Charlie Fletcher of EMCOR Services Mesa Energy. Charlie founded Mesa Energy in 1983 and led its successful merger with EMCOR in 1999,” the organization said.

“Throughout his remarkable career, Charlie was a steadfast advocate for the commercial real estate industry and a key force behind EMCOR Services Mesa Energy’s enduring partnership with BOMA Orange County,” its statement continued.

According to his EMCOR Services Mesa Energybiography, Fletcher Jr. had a wife of over 30 years and two adult sons. In addition to snowboarding, he enjoyed other sports like skiing, surfing, and playing basketball.

On the DoingBadThingsWell Instagram account, various members of Fletcher Jr.’s community spoke out about his death.

“Truly a legend 💔💔 to know him was to love him, it was such a privilege. Charlie gave me so much grace during a very difficult time in my life, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity I had to know him,” one person wrote.

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“Laguna will not the same without his infectious smile and booming voice. Love you Fletcher! Live in eternal bliss. ❤️,” another shared.

source: people.com