Troy Forsyth named as man killed in Mt Dixon avalanche

Troy Forsyth, an experienced ski mountaineer and avalanche snow safety officer, died in an avalanche on the east face of Mt Dixon in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park on Sunday. Emergency services were called to the location just after 10am, where a search and rescue response was activated. Forsyth was found unresponsive and was pronounced dead shortly after being located.

Forsyth was accompanied by three other experienced ski mountaineers when the avalanche occurred near the summit. He was not working in a professional capacity at the time, but was on a personal recreational trip with friends. Will Rowntree, a friend and fellow Remarkables ski patroller, said, “Troy was a deeply talented and respected practitioner within his field”.

The victim worked as a ski patroller at The Remarkables Ski Area in Queenstown and was an assistant ski guide with the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association. He was also an avalanche educator endorsed by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council.

The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council described the tragedy as a “sobering reminder” of the risks in high alpine environments. Experts noted that while weather conditions may appear favourable, recent storms can create instabilities and weaknesses within the snowpack.

How it developed

• Tue 20 Oct, 9:39amThe victim was identified as Troy Forsyth and his professional background as an avalanche educator and assistant ski guide was detailed.

Where reports differ

• One report describes the avalanche as not being huge but occurring in steep terrain, while another notes he was buried at the bottom of the face

Compiled from reports by The Press, NZ Herald, Stuff, Otago Daily Times and 1News.