Spring Grove man killed in Colo. avalanche

KEYSTONE, Colo. -- Authorities released the name of a 20-year-old backcountry snowboarder who died in an avalanche near Loveland Pass.

Authorities say Daniel Michelotti of Spring Grove, died Wednesday in the slide near U.S. 6, about a mile from Arapahoe Basin ski area. Summit County Coroner Joanne Richardson said Michelotti worked at Breckenridge Ski Resort and had been living in Colorado since November.

Two others who were with Michelotti survived the slide, which buried Michelotti's upper torso. It took his companions about 25 minutes to reach him. Richardson said Michelotti died of suffocation.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center said the avalanche occurred at around 12,000 feet, and was strong enough to break trees 6 inches in diameter