The name of the man who died in a heli-skiing avalanche in the Arrowsmith Range in New Zealand’s Southern Alps has been released.
Brett Evans, 38, of Staveley, Ashburton was a beloved local guide within the Canterbury region. He was guiding a group of heli-skiers with Methven Heliski when the avalanche hit around noon.
The other skiers were not hurt.
Chances are if you have skied or snowboarded within the club field region of Canterbury then you will have met or skied with Brett, a passionate club field skier and guide and former owner of the famed Black Diamond Safaris (originally founded by Heather and Symon Dent).
The local ski community and greater alpine guiding community has been rocked by his death.
Methven Heliski general manager Arthur McBride revealed that Evans “was a much-loved friend and colleague to all of us, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
The Brett family also released a statement.
“Family and friends are devastated at the passing of Brett who had a true passion for back country skiing, he gave everything 100% and will be sorely missed by all those lucky enough to have met him,” it said.
Methven Heliski is co-operating with police and WorkSafe.
Our thoughts are with the Evans family, the New Zealand mountain guiding community, the club fields and Methven community.
