Story perspectives

Utah Snowmobiler Dies in Wyoming Avalanche Tragedy

1/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Nicholas Bringhurst, a 31-year-old snowmobiler from Utah, died in an avalanche near LaBarge Creek, Wyoming, on January 11.
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office reported the incident occurred around 2:15 p.m.
Bringhurst's friend found him buried and attempted CPR, but he did not survive.
Emergency responders, including Air Idaho and Star Valley Search and Rescue, were dispatched.
The incident adds to rising avalanche fatalities in the western U.S. this month.

History

Historical Context

The 1910 Wellington avalanche in Washington killed 96 people, marking one of the deadliest in U.S. history. This disaster, along with the Rogers Pass avalanche that claimed 62 lives just days later, prompted the Great Northern Railway to implement stricter safety measures. Recent avalanche fatalities, including Nicholas Bringhurst's death in Wyoming, underscore the ongoing risks associated with winter sports and the need for enhanced safety protocols.

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Story summary

Nicholas Bringhurst, a 31-year-old snowmobiler from Utah, died in an avalanche near LaBarge Creek, Wyoming, on January 11.
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office reported the incident occurred around 2:15 p.m.
Bringhurst's friend found him buried and attempted CPR, but he did not survive.
Emergency responders, including Air Idaho and Star Valley Search and Rescue, were dispatched.
The incident adds to rising avalanche fatalities in the western U.S. this month.

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