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Grandson of Vail, Colo., ski resort founder killed in avalanche

VAIL, Colo., Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Tony Seibert, a grandson of the founder of Vail ski resort, was killed Tuesday in an avalanche just outside the Colorado resort's boundary, authorities said.

Three others were injured in the slide, the Denver Post reported.

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Eagle County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Jessie Mosher told the newspaper the avalanche hit about 11:35 a.m. in East Vail Chutes, just outside the ski resort's boundary between Vail Pass and Vail Mountain.

Tony Seibert, 24, an avid freestyle skier, was featured in Warren Miller's popular ski films, including a production in which he followed the tracks of the 10th Mountain Division, which grandfather Peter Seibert served in during World War II.

Chris Jarnot, Vail Mountain's senior vice president and chief operating officer, said in a statement the death "a shocking and terrible tragedy."

"Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Tony's entire family. I want to acknowledge how integral the Seibert family is to the fabric of our community. ... This is an incomprehensible loss and we will support the Seibert family and our community through this difficult time."

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center said the "large" incident occurred at or near the timberline in an area with "considerable risk" for avalanche conditions.

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The area is considered one of the most dangerous resort-accessible areas for avalanches in the nation, the newspaper said.

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