Massachusetts sixth-grader killed in Utah avalanche remembered as ‘sweet, sassy and smart’

An 11-year-old Massachusetts girl was killed by a deadly avalanche in backcountry terrain near a Utah ski resort last week, leaving her family and hometown remembering her as “sweet, sassy and smart.”

Madelyn Eitas, a sixth-grader from Rochester, Mass., was skiing with her family just after noon Thursday in an out-of-bounds area known as “Rock Garden” near Brighton Ski Resort east of Salt Lake City.

The family was skiing in an area not maintained or patrolled by the ski resort when an avalanche swept through.

Her brother, Cameron Eitas, and roughly 20 bystanders began digging her out as ski patrol and Wasatch Backcountry Rescue rushed to the scene, authorities told Salt Lake Tribune.

Ski patrollers from Brighton and Solitude, along with Wasatch Backcountry Rescue teams, were already working the scene by the time police began organizing a response just minutes after the 12:29 p.m. call.

It was her brother who ultimately located her, using an app to pinpoint her position beneath the snow, according to police. She was pulled out in critical condition as rescuers scrambled to stabilize her on the mountainside.

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A medical helicopter was summoned but could not land because of hazardous conditions in the steep backcountry terrain, forcing crews to treat her at the scene before loading her into an ambulance for transport to a hospital.

“Despite the tremendous and exhaustive efforts of family, first responders and hospital medical staff,” police said in a news release, “the victim tragically passed away.”

Becky Eitas remembered her late daughter as “sweet, sassy and smart” and as someone who was “always dancing, smiling and being goofy.”

Mariner Youth Soccer, Madelyn’s sixth-grade travel team, paid homage to their teammate, as did Old Rochester Youth Soccer, which said it would dedicate its spring season this year to her memory.

In a Facebook tribute posted Saturday, Mariner Youth Soccer honored “Maddie,” calling her a “bright and wonderful girl who left a lasting impact on her family, friends, coaches, teammates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”

The organization added that she will be deeply missed by all who knew her and said grief counselors would be made available to anyone in need of support.

Madelyn’s former teammate in Old Rochester Youth Soccer will wear patches bearing her name and number.

Rochester Police Chief Michael Assad Jr. posted a public message urging residents to rally around the Eitas family.

“Rochester has always been a town that shows up. We show up for our neighbors,” Assad wrote on Facebook.

“We show up in times of need. And right now, the Eitas family needs us.”

Madelyn was a sixth-grade student at Rochester Memorial School, where administrators braced for an emotional return to classes.

District leaders said they are preparing to support students and staff as the community grapples with the loss.

In a statement issued Friday, Old Rochester Regional School District Superintendent Michael S. Nelson said counseling and support services would be made available throughout the district.

“This is devastating news for our school community. We offer our sincere condolences to the student’s family, friends, classmates, and teachers during this unimaginable time,” Nelson said.

“Our focus at this time is on supporting those who are grieving and we ask that the family’s privacy be respected.”

Rochester Memorial School opened its doors Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to provide support to families and students, and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., according to Mariner Youth Soccer.

All Mariner families and staff were invited to attend during those hours.

“We encourage players, families, and friends to utilize all support services available to them as we navigate this difficult time together,” Mariner Youth Soccer wrote.

“Above all, we ask that you keep Maddie’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this unimaginable loss. As a club, we are committed to supporting the Eitas family, as well as Maddie’s coaches, friends, and teammates, through this grieving process.”

More than 40 avalanches were reported in backcountry areas outside the Salt Lake Valley in the days leading up to Madelyn’s death, according to the Utah Avalanche Center.

Forecasters warned that avalanche danger remained high through the weekend, with several close calls reported and at least one other fatal slide occurring in the Wasatch Mountains earlier that week.

The deadliest recent avalanche struck near Castle Peak in the Lake Tahoe region of California on Feb. 17, when a guided backcountry ski group of 15 was caught in a massive slide.

Nine people — clients and guides — were killed, and two others were injured, making it one of the deadliest avalanche incidents in modern US history. Six members of the group survived the disaster.

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