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Tragic Avalanche Claims Life of Alberta Woman
In a heartbreaking incident in Kananaskis Country, an Alberta woman has been remembered fondly by family and friends after she lost her life in an avalanche on Friday. Minetta Norrie, 34, was backcountry skiing with friends near Mount Black Prince when the avalanche struck, tragically claiming her life.
Despite the valiant attempts by her companions to render aid, first responders declared Norrie deceased at the scene, according to the RCMP.
Emily King-Moore, a lifelong friend of Norrie, recounted their deep bond, stating, “She was unforgettable. Loud and boisterous, confident and full of life.” The two had shared many adventures since childhood, including studying Spanish in Guatemala and working as junior forest rangers during their high school years. Their explorations extended to several countries, with their most recent trip together being a month-long journey across northern India.
“Knowing her meant incredible opportunities. I would say Minetta lived more in 34 years than most people live in several lifetimes,” King-Moore reflected.
Norrie dedicated her professional life to teaching elementary school students with learning disabilities in Calgary. Overcoming her own challenges with learning disabilities, she aimed to inspire her students to find joy in education. Outside of the classroom, she enjoyed an active lifestyle, often found in the mountains or on rivers exploring nature.
Her brother, Eric Norrie, shared his admiration for his sister, describing her as “a wonderful, adventurous, caring, humanitarian, and energetic woman who lived life to the fullest.” He recalled cherished memories from trips they took together to Guatemala and Costa Rica. Eric expressed the shock he felt upon receiving news of her passing, noting that it would take time to adjust to the reality of her absence. “She was my sounding board,” he said. “A big part of who gets me out there doing things is missing from my life. She was a wonderful complex human being.”
A funeral service for Minetta Norrie is scheduled for Sunday.
Avalanche Danger Remains High
In addition to Norrie’s tragic incident, another avalanche occurred on the same day, claiming the life of another skier near the Lake Louise ski area. In this case, one skier was able to rescue the other from under the snow and attempted to provide first aid, but unfortunately, the efforts were in vain.
Experts are warning that avalanche conditions in the mountainous regions west of Calgary remain perilous, urging outdoor enthusiasts to exercise caution. Current avalanche conditions and safety information can be found on the official website at avalanche.ca.
Source
globalnews.ca