Editor’s note: This story is developing.
Vail resident Corey Borg, originally of Minnesota, has been identified as the second skier killed by an inbounds avalanche on Thursday at Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico. Borg’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with the financial burdens.
“Our grandson Corey Borg loved the mountains, no matter what season. The mountain took his life unexpected with an avalanche while skiing in New Mexico,” wrote his grandmother Deb Bowers Borg on Facebook. “I am so proud of this young man and the impact that he has left on so many lives. You will be missed here on earth but we will all see you later in our journey. Please keep his family in your prayers.”
According to a press release from the resort, an “inbounds avalanche” occurred near Kachina Peak just before noon on Thursday, burying the two skiers near the 12,400-foot peak. The Taos News reports that medical teams had worked to keep Borg alive for roughly three days after members of Taos Ski Patrol and volunteers pulled him and another man from the snow. Medics transported the second victim, 26-year-old Matthew Zonghetti, to Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, where he died before 5 p.m. on Thursday, hospital CEO Bill Patten told the Taos News.
According to the Taos News, As of mid-morning Monday, a public information officer with the hospital reported that Borg was still in “critical condition.
“Thank you for helping our family,” the GoFundMe page reads. “My nephew (my sister’s son) Corey Borg was in an avalanche while skiing in New Mexico. We are trying to take financial stress away for the family and allow them to just focus on Corey. We greatly appreciate anything and please continue to pray for everyone.”
According to Borg’s Facebook page, he studied at Colorado Mountain College and worked at Patagonia as well as Zip Adventures.