Swiss Snowboard Olympian Dies in Avalanche

Snowboard Olympian Ueli Kestenholz has died at the age of 50 after being caught in an avalanche in the Letscendtal area of the Valais canton in Switzerland. Kestenholz was struck by the avalanche on Sunday while snowboarding with a companion, who managed to escape. The Swiss Ski Federation announced his death on Tuesday. Kestenholz had previously achieved success, winning a bronze medal in giant slalom snowboarding at the 1998 Nagano Olympic Games. He also had multiple podium finishes in the World Cup. The Valais police confirmed the incident, stating that the avalanche originated from the east slope of the Hochuhric peak at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters. The identity of the victim was not initially released by the police until the ski federation's announcement. Kestenholz retired from competitive snowboarding in 2006, leaving behind a distinguished career. His death has been met with sadness throughout the sporting world.