Dear Eagle Rock Community,
I have some very sad news to report. Yesterday, April 20th, an avalanche on Loveland Pass in Colorado took the lives of four snowboarders & one skier. We received news this morning that Eagle Rocker and Ponderosa house parent, Rick Gaukel was one of the victims.
Rick was a very accomplished outdoorsman, having guided professionally for many years. There are few backcountry snowboarders with the skill and expertise Rick held. The news leaves us stunned and we are struggling to understand how this could have happened. Rick was full of energy and truly loved by staff and students alike. Words simply cannot express how deeply he will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rick’s family and in particular to his wife Jonna during this very difficult time.
Jeff Liddle, Head of School