Grand County Coroner’s Office identifies victims of avalanche near Pumphouse Lake
Grand County Sheriff’s Office/Courtesy photo
The Grand County Coroner’s Office has identified the two men who died while snowmobiling in an avalanche on Corona Pass in the area of Mount Epworth and Pumphouse Lake on Saturday, Jan. 7.
The coroner’s office identified the first victim as 58-year-old Bruce Dejong from northern Colorado. The second victim was 52-year-old Darrin Kaderka, from the Loveland area.
The avalanche slid near Pumphouse Lake and the east face Mount Epworth at approximately 2 p.m., according to a preliminary report by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. The avalanche buried and killed both men. The center stated a final report on the accident is expected within the next week.
Stefan Crumley of Denver has organized a GoFundMe fundraiser in honor of Dejong.
“He was one of the kindest and most loving people, always searching for adventure,” Crumley wrote on the GoFundMe page. “After deciding to leave his hometown of Springfield, South Dakota he started a life in Colorado where he eventually had a beautiful daughter Danielle who meant the world to him.”
The family of Kaderka has asked for those wishing to honor him to make a donation to Grand County Search and Rescue in lieu of flowers or gifts, according to an online obituary.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
The Sky-Hi News strives to deliver powerful stories that spark emotion and focus on the place we live.
Over the past year, contributions from readers like you helped to fund some of our most important reporting, including coverage of the East Troublesome Fire.
If you value local journalism, consider making a contribution to our newsroom in support of the work we do.