A local legend heli-skier guide has died after being swept off a mountain by an avalanche in Alaska.
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Michael Hamilton, 46, of Valdez, died on April 25 after he fell 1,500 feet over a steep cliff during an avalanche in the Chugach Mountains, Alaska Wildlife Troopers reported.
Hamilton was not buried by the snow, as he had deployed his avalanche airbag system, however, he was seriously injured in the fall. A heliski helicopter team rescued Hamilton who was unconscious when he was recovered and flew him to Valdez for advanced medical care. Despite life-saving efforts, Hamilton was declared dead in Valdez.
Hamilton was on the mountain scouting a run for the guests when he inadvertently triggered the avalanche which swept him over the cliff, officials said.
Avalanche danger is elevated in the backcountry in the spring due to increased temperatures. The Alaska State Trooper and Alaska Wildlife Troopers encouraged anyone that is heliskiing, backcountry skiing or snowmachining to use extreme caution.
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