The Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit, Sheriff’s Detectives, the United States Forest Service, and Arizona Snowbowl coordinated a response to the scene and the recovery of Huebner. It was determined that the best course of action would be to ski and snowshoe to the victim’s location, conduct the investigation and prepare Huebner for extraction via a long line with the Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue helicopter.
Ski Patrol, Search and Rescue, and a detective arrived at the scene at approximately 4:30 PM. The DPS Air Rescue helicopter from Kingman responded to the Fort Valley Lodge and prepared for long line extrication. Huebner’s body was flown from the scene to the lodge at approximately 5:45 PM where custody was transferred to the Coconino County Office of the Medical Examiner.
According to authorities, Huebner and his ski partner were very experienced and well prepared for their ski activity. Back country winter travel has some unique hazards including the possibility of avalanche. Huebner and his partner were carrying the “Ten Essentials” and were additionally equipped with avalanche beacons, probes, and shovels. Both men had experience and training in the winter back country environment and are well respected in the back country skiing community.
Sheriff’s Detectives and the Medical Examiner are continuing this investigation. At this point there are no signs of foul play and there is a possibility that the victim died as the result of a preexisting
medical condition.