Susan R. Skjersaa and Terance O. Skjersaa Death & Obituary: On February 17, 2025, a heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Oregon when Susan Renee Skjersaa, 52, and her husband, Terance Olaf Skjersaa, 57, were found dead following an avalanche in the Happy Valley area. The Bend couple, both avid skiers, were reported missing after failing to return from a backcountry skiing trip in Deschutes County.
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Avalanche Incident in Happy Valley
The incident occurred near Snowmobile Trail 8, between Trail 88 and Trail 6, an area situated between the Bend Watershed and Broken Top Mountain. Happy Valley is a popular location for outdoor enthusiasts, but on this tragic day, the conditions proved deadly for the Skjersaas.
On the evening of February 17, when Susan and Terance failed to return as expected, their friends initiated a search. Tragically, just before midnight, they discovered the couple buried under the avalanche. It is believed the avalanche occurred several hours prior to their discovery.
Search and Recovery Efforts
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to the emergency and launched a search and recovery operation. Initially, two Search and Rescue members were dispatched overnight, with additional personnel joining the effort the following morning. The couple’s bodies were recovered from the snow, bringing a heartbreaking end to the search efforts.
Legacy in the Skiing Community
The Skjersaa family has deep ties to Central Oregon’s skiing community, with a legacy that has left a lasting impression on the region. The loss of Susan and Terance has devastated family, friends, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts, with their passing felt deeply by those who admired their passion for skiing and adventure.
Investigation and Community Mourning
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the avalanche and its causes. As the community grieves, condolences and tributes pour in from those who knew and loved Susan and Terance. Their untimely deaths serve as a somber reminder of the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of backcountry exploration.
Honoring Susan and Terance Skjersaa
Susan and Terance Skjersaa will be remembered for their love of adventure, dedication to the skiing community, and the joy they brought to those around them. Their passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but their legacy of passion, courage, and exploration will live on in the memories of all who knew them.
Rest in peace, Susan and Terance Skjersaa. Your adventurous spirits will never be forgotten.