Numerous people from inside and outside the Wood River Valley are extending a hand to the family of the late Tim Michael, whether they knew the avalanche victim or not.
Michael, 54, died in an avalanche on Jan. 22 while skiing an ungroomed area of Bald Mountain near the bottom of Fire Trail run on Seattle Ridge. Blaine County Coroner Russ Mikel ruled the cause of death as "traumatic asphyxiation." The Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center reported the avalanche as starting about 100 feet above Michael, breaking 2 to 3 feet deep and 40 feet wide.
In the wake of Michael's death, his wife, Susie, has set up an education fund for their 10-year-old son, Jake. Susie Michael said people have contacted her numerous times wanting to give a few dollars for the fund, but not knowing where or how to send the money to support Jake's education.
The account is set up at US Bank in Ketchum and is where contributions should be sent. The postal address is US Bank, Box 5920, Ketchum, ID 83340, attn: Ramona Fenesan/Michael Family." Checks should be made out to Sam (aka Jake) Michael or Susan Michael.
Any questions should be directed to Ramona Fenesan at 578-3670.
The Michaels have lived in Ketchum for about 35 years. Tim and Susie Michael met in 1982 and married in 1996.
Family friend John Majors said Tim Michael's life was built around two passions—the outdoors and his family.
"Whether at Susie's side in the garden, or with Jake scrambling up rock faces, the great outdoors centered him," Susie Michael wrote in his obituary.
Trevon Milliard: tmilliard@mtexpress.com
