Family Honors Avalanche Victim by Donating to Rescue Team

After losing brother in Utah mountains, O'Keefe family raises funds for Wasatch Backcountry Rescue volunteers

Feb. 27, 2026 at 5:50am

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The family of Brian O'Keefe, who died in an avalanche while backcountry skiing in Utah, has chosen to honor his memory by raising funds for the volunteer rescue team that responded to the incident. The O'Keefes described Brian as an experienced outdoorsman, but preparation could not prevent the tragic accident. Now, they are expressing gratitude for the Wasatch Backcountry Rescue team's efforts and hope to use the donations to support their life-saving work and educate the community.

Why it matters

Backcountry recreation carries inherent risks, and this story highlights the critical role of volunteer rescue teams in responding to emergencies in remote areas. The O'Keefe family's decision to support the Wasatch Backcountry Rescue team shines a light on the selfless work these volunteers do and the need for continued community support.

The details

Brian O'Keefe, known to some as Keith, died on Sunday after being caught in an avalanche while skiing in the mountains above Midway, Utah. His brother Brent had spoken to him the day before about avalanche conditions, and Brian was taking the proper precautions. However, when he became separated from his group, a massive debris field was discovered, and search and rescue efforts were immediately launched. Tragically, Brian's avalanche beacon could not be detected, and he did not survive.

  • Brian O'Keefe died on Sunday, February 26, 2026.
  • Brent O'Keefe had spoken to his brother Brian the day before the incident about avalanche conditions.

The players

Brian O'Keefe

Also known as Keith, he was an experienced backcountry skier who died in an avalanche in the mountains above Midway, Utah.

Brent O'Keefe

Brian's brother, who had spoken to him the day before the incident about avalanche conditions.

Kelly O'Keefe

Brian's youngest brother, who expressed shock and disbelief upon learning of the tragedy.

Wasatch Backcountry Rescue

A volunteer rescue team of ski patrollers who responded to the incident and are now the focus of the O'Keefe family's efforts to honor Brian's memory.

Marguerite Van Komen

A rescuer with Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, who described the team's urgent and life-saving work in the backcountry.

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What they’re saying

“It's 100% go mode. We're doing everything we can to get on scene, hopefully within that 15 to 30 minutes within the avalanche.”

— Marguerite Van Komen, Rescuer, Wasatch Backcountry Rescue

“What an incredible thing that they're doing. It'll help with education of our members, our canines, and then transmit into education of our community as well. It's unbelievable.”

— Marguerite Van Komen, Rescuer, Wasatch Backcountry Rescue

“Just acknowledgement of those that are out there risking their lives day in and day out to help families like ours in these tragic situations.”

— Kelly O'Keefe

What’s next

The O'Keefe family plans to continue fundraising efforts to support the Wasatch Backcountry Rescue team and their critical work in the Utah backcountry.

The takeaway

This tragic story underscores the importance of volunteer rescue teams and the need for continued community support. The O'Keefe family's decision to honor their loved one by giving back to those who tried to save him is a powerful testament to the selfless work of these first responders and the resilience of the outdoor community.