Friends and family celebrated the life of Madelyn Eitas, 11, of Rochester, Massachusetts, on Sunday following her tragic death in an avalanche in Utah on February 19. Madelyn died while on a family ski vacation at Brighton Ski Resort in Brighton, Utah.
A Celebration of Life
Madelyn’s mother, Becky Eitas, welcomed loved ones – including Madelyn’s sixth-grade classmates and her “soccer sisters” – to a celebration of her life. “Today we are here to celebrate and laugh, be with all her friends, her soccer sisters as we call them, and celebrate her as a kid,” Becky Eitas said. “She was attractive inside and out.”
The Search and Rescue Effort
Madelyn and her brother, Cam, shared the same Avalanche app during the ski trip. Police reported that Cam “heroically” used the application to locate his sister after she was caught in the avalanche. First responders then initiated life-saving measures.
Madelyn was transported to a local hospital, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries. The family credits the technology with aiding in a quicker search. Cam expressed his enduring love for his sister, stating, “I hope they have a great time and celebrate all she had to live for.”
Becky Eitas reflected on Madelyn’s life, saying, “In 11 years, she got a lot in, just going back to the pictures and videos, hard to believe we did that all as a family, but it’s memories that we will cherish forever.”
Community Support
Rochester Memorial School is offering support services to students and staff. Rochester police Chief Michael Assad Jr. Called for the community to unite in support of the Eitas family. “There are simply no words that can fully capture the weight of this loss or the heartbreak her family is experiencing,” he said. “A life so young, full of promise, kindness, and joy, taken far too soon. Let us honor her by coming together—stronger, kinder, and more united than ever.”
Those wishing to support the Eitas family can find more information at this link.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Madelyn Eitas?
Madelyn Eitas, 11, of Rochester, Massachusetts, died on February 19 after being caught in an avalanche while skiing with her family at Brighton Ski Resort in Utah.
How did rescuers locate Madelyn?
Cam, Madelyn’s brother, used an Avalanche app to help locate her, and police described his actions as “heroic.”
Is support available for the Eitas family?
Rochester Memorial School is offering support services, and a link to donate to the family has been provided.
What role do you think technology will play in future backcountry safety efforts?
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