Tragic Snowstorm: One Survives, One Lost in Colorado Wilderness

LEADVILLE, Colorado — On January 4, 2017, a tragic backcountry skiing trip took a deadly turn when U.S. Forest Service ranger Brett Beasley and 15-year-old Cole Walters-Schaler became trapped in Porcupine Gulch during a snowstorm. While Beasley, an experienced outdoorsman, did not survive, Walters-Schaler did, leaving the community of Salida in shock.

The two were skiing near the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association when they decided to take a quick run before rejoining their group. However, a severe snowstorm hit, complicating the conditions and leading them to get lost in the difficult terrain.

In the aftermath of the incident, questions swirled around what happened that day as the surviving skier remained hesitant to share details. This prompted writer Devon O’Neil to investigate the event, leading to a book titled “Lost in a Blizzard,” set to be published by HarperOne on November 11.

O’Neil’s exploration into Beasley’s life reveals a multifaceted man, renowned for his love of outdoor adventures but often at the cost of time with his family. “To understand the singularity of Brett Beasley,” O’Neil said, “you have to see him in full.”

During his research, O’Neil interviewed over 100 individuals including friends, family, and rescuers, piecing together the narrative of the tragic day. He emphasized the impact on the community and the trauma faced by all involved, stating, “everyone knew everyone else was going through their own hell.”

As the release date approaches, the community continues to grapple with the sorrow of that day, marked by both loss and the stories unearthing new insights into Beasley’s life.