December 3, 2007 my cousin Kevin Carter and two of his buddies went missing while snowboarding on Crystal Mountain in Seattle. There were at least a dozen avalanches on the same mountain they had been on, so we knew that they must have gotten caught in one and not been able to get out alive.
We have been saddened by this tragedy and yet we have also found peace in the fact that Kevin was doing something he absolutely loved. But we were never able to have much closure, because at the time this happened there was so much snow that the rescuers were never able to find their bodies.
This past Saturday we were able finally gain some knowledge of what might have happened and find their bodies. They were found in their tent, so we are hoping that the avalanche happened while they were sleeping and they never even knew what happened. So there was little if any suffering. This brings much peace to our family. This article explains more of the recovery of their bodies if you are interested.
I must say that I am very grateful to have the background of the gospel to know that he is in a better place surrounded by our family and other heavenly beings. I am grateful that families can be sealed in the temple and that the Lord takes care of us especially in difficult circumstances such as these. Even though I didn't know Kevin very well, I am still sad for this to have happened, but am filled with peace and the love of my Savior.
