A fundraiser for the family of Whistler pro snowboarder Jeff Keenan, who was killed in an avalanche near Nelson on March 24, has already surpassed its original target of $300,000, prompting organizers to bump up the benchmark.
"We are beyond grateful for the incredible generosity shown for Leanne and Khyber. The outpouring of love and support has been truly inspiring, and because of this momentum, we are raising our goal to $500,000," wrote GoFundMe co-organizer Dominique Vallee in a March 27 update.
"One of Jeff’s only life dreams was to raise Khyber in Whistler. This fund will help Leanne stay in the home she built with Jeff, honouring his dream and providing the stability and support Khyber needs. This journey is far from over, and every contribution—big or small—makes a real difference. Let’s continue to rally together and show what the power of community can do! Please keep sharing, donating, and spreading the word. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
Keenan, 44, a co-founder of gear brand Dinosaurs Will Die, was riding in a group of four when tragedy struck.
Police said in a March 25 release the avalanche occurred in the alpine area on the east side of Kootenay Lake just before 1 p.m. on March 24.
Jason Remple, 53, from Kaslo, and Alex Pashley, 45, from Idaho, also died in the incident. A fourth skier, Clay Mitchell, 40, from nearby Nelson, is in critical condition.
"Jeff wasn’t just known for his incredible decades-long influence in snowboarding, for co-founding Dinosaurs Will Die, or for his talented work behind the lens. He was known for his heart, his smile, humour and generosity. His deep love for Leanne, his joy in fatherhood, his passion and curiosity for exploring the world, and the warmth brought to every space he entered. He was kind. He was present. And he was so deeply loved by so many," reads the GoFundMe's original description.
"Leanne and Jeff shared more than 20 years of life together, building a home, a family and a creative legacy side by side. Their lives were completely intertwined. They were both self-employed, working in the mountains and raising Khyber with their shared love of life. And now, Leanne is facing the unimaginable. In a moment, she lost her partner, her co-parent, her teammate in life. She dug Jeff out herself and performed CPR for over 30 minutes. She did everything, and she was with him in those final moments, telling him how loved he was. That is something none of us should ever have to live through.
"Leanne now needs time to grieve, to heal, and to show up for Khyber without the immediate pressure of returning to work, especially when her work is in the same backcountry that just took the love of her life."
A fundraiser was also launched for Mitchell, with a $90,000 target to help his recovery.
"By the incredible efforts of the rescue team Clay survived and was transferred to Trail ICU. He sustained a massive amount of damage in his legs, and, after multiple surgeries, he is looking at a long road to recovery," wrote organizer Simon Shave.
"As one of Clay’s closest friends I’ve been receiving so many requests on how people can help him and his family through this difficult time. Sometimes it takes a tragedy to realize how much love and support you have. Thank you all."
Mayor Jack Crompton offered condolences to Keenan's family at the March 25 Whistler council meeting.
"I just want to recognize and honour Jeff's kindness, passion and his empathy. Jeff really was the personification of kindness," he said.
"Jeff's contributions to snowboarding were immense, but they were overshadowed by the love and generosity he shared with his family and friends and community. The news of Jeff's passing feels too tragic to be true and our hearts go out to those closest to him. As we reflect on his legacy we'll do our best to follow in his tracks that embody those qualities to live with kindness, dedication, love and authenticity."
North Vancouver's Mount Seymour posted a tribute of its own on social media.
"Jeff was a huge part of the snowboard community at Mt. Seymour and the wider landscape. His younger days were spent here as part of the Skids (Seymour Kids), a crew of snowboarders that helped define snowboarding in the ’90s and ’00s," it read.
"More recently, Jeff was part of the group of riders that spawned the Baked Salmon Banked Slalom, hosted on Mt. Seymour. Jeff and his friends worked tirelessly to bring that event to life and create a space for the snowboard community to thrive.
"Jeff will be missed, but his spirit will ride on!"
According to police, on March 24, "two groups of skiers had just finished skiing the bowl and were waiting in a staging area below the treeline of Clute Creek water shed. A transport helicopter was nearing the group when the pilot observed an avalanche and sounded the siren."
One group of skiers was able to get out of harm's way, while the other group of four was swept away into the treeline, the release said.
Kaslo RCMP will continue to assist the BC Coroners Service in the investigation, the release said.
