In a devastating incident, a 67-year-old doctor from Colorado lost his life in an avalanche while snowboarding in the backcountry. Peter Harrelson, a well-known resident of Ophir, became the state's first recorded avalanche victim this season, according to officials.

Harrelson embarked on a backcountry trip in the Waterfall Creek area, located south of his hometown near Telluride, around noon on Monday, as stated by the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office. However, when he did not return by 7:40 p.m., concerned authorities were alerted and initiated a search and rescue operation for the overdue doctor.

Despite efforts from Harrelson's friends and family, who followed his tracks that night, they were unable to locate him, according to a preliminary report from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). The search resumed the following morning with the assistance of air resources and bombing mitigation techniques to insert a team of rescuers into the treacherous mountainous terrain.

Tragically, Harrelson's body was discovered early Tuesday morning with traumatic injuries consistent with being swept away in an avalanche. The incident occurred at an elevation of 10,500 feet on a northwest aspect below the tree line, as reported by the CAIC. The doctor had managed to dig himself out of the snow after being carried 200 to 300 feet by the avalanche. Authorities believe he had hiked an additional 200 to 300 feet before succumbing to his injuries while resting under some trees.

Sheriff Bill Masters of the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office expressed his condolences to Harrelson's family and friends, acknowledging the risky nature of the search and rescue mission. Harrelson's death marks the first recorded avalanche fatality in Colorado this season, a significant loss for the community. Last season, the state witnessed 11 avalanche fatalities, highlighting the dangers posed by these natural disasters.

As the Colorado community mourns the loss of an experienced doctor and avid snowboarder, this tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with backcountry snow activities. It also serves as a call to prioritize safety and awareness while enjoying the beautiful but unpredictable mountainous landscapes.