This was reported by numerous international media, citing Braathen’s company Braathen Eiendom. The 43-year-old was one of nine avalanche deaths in western Austria at the weekend, the other accidents occurred in Tyrol. There was no confirmation from the police.
“As a matter of principle, we do not provide any information on the identity of the casualties,” said the Vorarlberg State Police Headquarters when asked by the APA. Braathen’s fortune is estimated at 300 million euros.
Dug up after ten minutes
On Friday afternoon, the 43-year-old was out and about in the open terrain of the Albona ski area in Klösterle am Arlberg in a group of four, including a state-certified snowboard guide. According to the police, the quartet wanted to descend from the summit of the Knödelkopf (2,400 meters) in the direction of the Albona valley station. When there was a risk of avalanches, the winter sports enthusiasts tackled the approximately 40-degree slope individually. When the 43-year-old drove into the slope in second place, a powerful slab of snow came loose, taking the man with him.
Although the experienced freerider managed to deploy the airbag in his backpack, he was completely buried under the snow masses. Within a few minutes, his companions managed to locate Braathen at a depth of two meters using a probe, and after ten minutes they had dug up the 43-year-old. Resuscitation measures were started immediately, but the emergency doctor who arrived by helicopter could only determine Braathen’s death.
Source: Nachrichten
