Seaside, California, man dies while skiing at Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Ski Patrollers with the help of a search dog found the body of missing skier Brett Herrick at about 10 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Herrick, 62, from Seaside, Calif., was positively identified, according to Undersheriff Paul Howell.

“He was found in the Aries Woods, between the Comet and Dipper runs,” Howell said.

“Herrick was located in the wooded area, about 100 feet from the groomed trail. He was immersed in deep snow.”

Initial investigation indicates Herrick crashed into very deep powder and could not self-rescue and likely suffocated or died from exposure. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

The next of kin has been notified.

Searchers have been looking for Herrick since around 4:30 p.m. Monday, when emergency dispatchers received word he was missing.

Herrick was last seen by his girlfriend on the Comet Run at around 11:30 a.m. The Comet Run is located off the Stagecoach Lodge area of Heavenly Ski Resort.

The search and rescue team was activated and launched a search and rescue mission. Douglas searchers were assisted by a helicopter from Naval Air Station, Fallon.

The search continued today with assistance from units from Washoe, El Dorado, and Placer counties and from members of Heavenly Resort Ski Patrol, and the Tahoe Nordic Group.