Two American ski team hopefuls were killed in an avalanche at an Austrian resort on Monday, the U.S. team said.
The Associated Press noted that both Ronnie Berlack, 20 and Bryce Astle, 19, were killed while training near Soelden for the opening of the World Cup. Four other skiers with them were able to escape without injuries.
In a statement posted on its website, U.S. Ski Team officials praised the two prospects and extended condolences to their families.
“Ronnie and Bryce were both outstanding ski racers who were passionate about their sport – both on the race course and skiing the mountain,” said U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association President and CEO Tiger Shaw. “Our hearts go out to the Berlack and Astle families, as well as to their extended sport family. Both of them loved what they did and conveyed that to those around them.”
Berlack was a native of New Hampshire and Astle was from Utah. They were each part of the U.S. national team’s developmental program.
Authorities said there was a three-level avalanche alert warning in place for the area.
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