Three Skiers with Minnesota Ties Feared Dead in Alaskan Avalanche

Three skiers, who were feared to have been killed in an Alaskan avalanche, were revealed to have ties to Minnesota.

The individuals were Jeremy Leif, 38, a Minnesota resident; David Linder, 39, originally from Mankato but more recently residing in Miami; and Charlie Eppard, 39, a Gustavus Adolphus College alumnus, as confirmed by a college spokesperson.

The Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS) released their names.

 

 

 

Linder was a co-owner of Sub Arctic Media, which owns over 20 talk and music radio stations across Minnesota. Managing partner Matt Ketelsen stated that Linder, an experienced skier, was on a helicopter ski trip with friends.

Ketelsen described Linder as a devoted father and husband who always prioritized spending time with his three children. He also emphasized that Linder cared deeply about the communities served by his radio stations.

 

 

 

 

 

“We would often talk about our kids when we spoke on the phone,” Ketelsen shared. “Above all, he was about his children.”

Linder had moved to Florida for law school and worked remotely as a business owner. His father, John Linder, was a prominent radio station owner and CEO of Minnesota Valley Broadcasting and Radio Mankato. Ketelsen mentioned that David took over his father’s responsibilities after his passing in 2018.

Ketelsen described David Linder and his family as strong supporters of the Mankato community and said he “lived life to the fullest.”