Renowned American Skier Katherine Rigby Presumed Dead in Kosovo Avalanche
ICARO Media Group
Renowned American skier Katherine "Kasha" Rigby is believed to have tragically lost her life in an avalanche at the Ski Center in Brezovica, Kosovo. The incident occurred on Tuesday, according to reports.
Although the identity of the victim was not initially disclosed, friends and loved ones of Rigby took to her Instagram account to share heartfelt tributes and memories. Rigby's Instagram profile showcased numerous photos from the ski resort in Brezovica, further hinting at her presence at the time of the avalanche.
Sources close to Rigby reached out to Ski Magazine to confirm the devastating news. Adam Howard, the editor of Backcountry Magazine, expressed profound sadness at the loss, describing Rigby as a compassionate and free-spirited individual. He emphasized that the entire outdoor and ski community feels the weight of this loss.
Rigby, a talented telemark skier, aimed to redefine the sport with her high-speed and hard-driving style, as per Ski Magazine. Her remarkable achievements include being the first to undertake a telemark ski descent of Cho You, the sixth-highest mountain in the world situated in the Himalayas. Rigby's skill and courage were also evident in her numerous other notable ski descents from peaks in Russia, Ecuador, and Lebanon.
The specific details of the avalanche that claimed Rigby's life have not been released. However, local authorities, including the Ferizaj region police spokesperson Kanun Veseli, have confirmed that the victim was a 54-year-old foreign citizen.
The skiing community mourns the loss of Katherine Rigby, a true trailblazer in the world of telemark skiing. Her inspiring accomplishments and adventurous spirit will be remembered by many.
The investigation into the avalanche incident is ongoing, and further information will be released as it becomes available.