Officials Continue to Investigate Fatal Avalanche in Lincoln County

A major avalanche in Lincoln County that left one man dead and several others injured Wednesday is still being investigated.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department has identified the victim as 56-year-old Greg Stanczak of Ironwood, Michigan.

According to the sheriff’s office, search and rescue teams were dispatched to the Squaw Creek area of the Salt River Range at about 3:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Star Valley Search and Rescue, Alpine Fire and EMS, Lincoln County Sheriff Deputies and the Wyoming Highway Patrol were initially called to the area, where they were later joined by members of Teton County Search and Rescue and a helicopter.

Multiple snowmobilers had been caught in the avalanche, which was triggered by one of the riders. 

Some members of the group were able to free themselves. Stanczak was buried until members of the group were able to dig him out, when they began lifesaving efforts. 

However, Stanczak succumbed to his injuries at the scene. 

Reports indicate eight snowmobilers were involved in the incident. 

Lincoln County Search and Rescue Team members remained on the scene into the night.