E morto il leggendario freerider austriaco sotto una valanga in Canada.

Articolo tratto da Method Mag:

Snowboarding mourns the loss of one of its legends. Austrian freerider Tommy Brunner, tragically killed in Canadian Avalanche accident. Friday, Bella Coola, British Columbia. The Austrian and global snowboard family was thrown into shock over the weekend as news came in that a late afternoon avalanche had taken the life of one of snowboarding’s greatest proponents, Tommy Brunner. Participating in a backcountry photo shoot with a highly experienced team in Bella Coola, Canada, a sizable avalanche struck him on the last run of the day. Search and rescue procedures were instantlyundertaken. Despite quickly locating his transceiver signal, rescue efforts were unable to reach him in time, and Tommy passed from this world in the Canadian backcountry. A freestyler, surfer, rock climber, freerider and above all, ambassador for man in the mountains, for 20 years Tommy brought a sobering realism and candid warmth to all lucky enough to know him. Starting as a freestyler in the emerging sport of snowboarding in the ‘80’s, shooting with long time friend and then photographer, Andrew Hourmont, he went on to design and compete in the early editions of the Air&Style in Innsbruck. Growing up in the Austrian Tirol, he never lost focus on his true love: the backcountry, and his career moved ever more in that direction over time.To the uninitiated, Tommy might have been understood as a risk taker, but in fact, few outside the late Craig Kelly had the same respect and experience to not only minimize his own risk while facing exposure, but for all of those riding with him. Following a lucky escape after being buried for 8 minutes in an avalanche in Alaska in the late 90’s, Tommy devoted unlimited time to communicating backcountry awareness. From initiating avalanche camps to attending Rookie development camps, he tirelessly focused energy on communicating the beauty and the risks of backcountry riding, based upon his extensive knowledge and personal experiences. As a snowboarder he was a legend. As a friend – irreplaceable. Tommy was a true pioneer. He brought snowboarding to the people and people to the mountains in a quiet, no-nonsense way. Exactly how he was in his personal life. The sadness we feel is only tempered by the knowledge that he left us doing what he loved best. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time. We will miss you brother…Tommy Brunner. 1970 – 2006. R.I.P

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