Search ends for missing skier at Heavenly Mountain Resort

UPDATE 12:30 p.m. - Heavenly Ski Patrol, with the assistance of a K9 search dog, have located the body of Brett Herrick in the Aries Woods, about 100 feet from the groomed trail. He was immersed in deep snow and found at about 10:00 a.m.

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.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A search and rescue mission is underway at Heavenly Mountain Resort to locate a 62-year-old skier from Seaside, Calif.

On Monday, February 18 at 4:30 p.m., an emergency call was received by Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) reporting a lost skier. The skier has been identified as Brett Herrick who was last seen by his girlfriend on the Comet Run at 11:30 a.m.

The run is located off the East Peak Lodge area on the Nevada side of the resort.

The DCSO Search and Rescue team was activated and were joined by a helicopter aerial search crew from Naval Air Station, Fallon. Herrick was not located and the DCSO Search and Rescue continues Tuesday with assistance from search and rescue units from Washoe, El Dorado, and Placer counties, members of Heavenly Resort Ski Patrol, and the Tahoe Nordic Group.

They believe he is still on the mountain somewhere in the vicinity of the Comet Run. Both Comet and Dipper areas are closed to the public. Also, due to the SAR operation, there is no Calif. to Nev. access, Gondola to Nev. access, Gondola to Calif. access at this time. Nevada, California, and Gondola area are currently all separate ski zones.

While it did not snow overnight, temperatures are below zero.