Susan R. Skjersaa And Terance O. Skjersaa Obituary, Death Oregon, Avalanche – A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Oregon on February 17, 2025, when a couple from Bend, Susan Renee Skjersaa, 52, and her husband, Terance Olaf Skjersaa, 57, were found dead after an avalanche in the Happy Valley area. The couple, both avid skiers, were reported missing after failing to return from a backcountry skiing trip in the Deschutes County area.
The incident took place near Snowmobile Trail 8, between Trail 88 and Trail 6, an area situated between the Bend Watershed and Broken Top Mountain. Known as Happy Valley, this popular location for outdoor enthusiasts is no stranger to winter sports, but it proved to be deadly for the Skjersaa couple. On the evening of February 17, after the Skjersaas had not returned as expected, their friends began to search for them. Tragically, just before midnight, they discovered the couple buried under the avalanche.
It is believed the avalanche occurred several hours prior to their discovery, and unfortunately, both Susan and Terance were confirmed dead at the scene. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report and launched a search and recovery operation. Initially, two Search and Rescue members were dispatched overnight, with additional personnel joining the effort the following morning. The couple’s bodies were recovered from the snow, marking the end of a desperate and heartbreaking search.
The Skjersaa family has deep ties to Central Oregon’s skiing community, with their legacy in the sport leaving a lasting impression. The loss of Susan and Terance has devastated family, friends, and the broader skiing community, and their passing is felt by many in the region. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the avalanche and its causes. As the community grieves the tragic loss of the Skjersaas, thoughts and condolences pour in from those who knew them and admired their passion for skiing and outdoor adventure. The couple’s untimely deaths serve as a somber reminder of the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of backcountry exploration.
