From Fox News: An 11-year-old girl from Massachusetts was identified as the victim of an avalanche in Utah during a skiing vacation, according to police.
Madelyn Eitas, 11, of Rochester, Massachusetts, was identified as the victim of the avalanche that happened at Brighton Ski Resort in Brighton, Utah, around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19.
According to the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake, when authorities arrived on the scene, the girl’s family and “over 20 citizens in the area” had begun the initial search and rescue efforts.
Authorities credited the 11-year-old’s brother, Cameron Eitas, as “heroically” finding her by using an application to locate her. The Unified Police Department did not specify what application was used to locate the avalanche victim.
Sadly, although first responders performed life-saving measured on Madelyn and rushed her to the hospital in critical condition, she later died at the hospital.
KUTV2 news anchor Mika Miyashima shared photos provided by Madelyn’s family and wrote:
The mother of Madelyn Eitas, the 11-year-old girl killed in an avalanche near Brighton Ski Resort this past week, said her daughter was beautiful inside and out, and loved her family and friends. Becky Eitas said her daughter, from Rochester, Massachusetts, was an amazing human, who loved soccer, dancing, laughing, and being silly. 🙏🏽
The mother of Madelyn Eitas, the 11-year-old Massachusetts girl killed in an avalanche near Brighton Ski Resort this past week, said her daughter was beautiful inside and out, loved her family, friends, soccer and dancing. 📷 : Becky Eitas @KUTV2News pic.twitter.com/YXE8QijKLS
— Mika Miyashima (@MikaMiyashima) February 22, 2026
The Old Rochester Youth Soccer team paid tribute to Madelyn in a Facebook post:
It is with heavy hearts that the Old Rochester Youth Soccer Club shares the unexpected and tragic passing of Madelyn Eitas.
Madelyn was a cherished member of our ORU travel soccer family beginning in 3rd grade through last fall, when she chose to focus on club soccer with the Mariner Scorpions. During her time with ORU, Madelyn was not only a talented and competitive player, but also a joyful and spirited teammate whose energy and love of the game lifted everyone around her.
Her mother, Becky, was also an integral part of our community as a dedicated member of our coaching staff, helping guide Madelyn and her beloved “Sharks” to multiple undefeated seasons and a South Shore Soccer League Championship. Together, they left a lasting mark on our program.
Madelyn’s enthusiasm, kindness, and bright spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her.
In honor of Madelyn’s life and the impact she made on our travel soccer family, the Spring 2026 season will be dedicated to her memory. Her former ORU teammates will wear uniform patches bearing her name and number as a tribute to a player and friend who will always remain part of our ORU family.
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