David Linder Obituary, Death: The communities of Miami, Mankato, and the greater radio industry are in mourning following the tragic death of David Linder, who was killed in an avalanche on March 4, 2025, while on a heli-skiing trip in Alaska. Linder, aged 39, was a prominent figure in the radio industry and co-owner of Radio Mankato in Minnesota. His death has not only shaken his family and friends but also the radio community in which he was deeply involved. Along with Linder, two other individuals—Jeremy Leif, 38, from Minnesota, and Charles Eppard, 39, from Montana—lost their lives in this tragic incident.
David Linder was a highly regarded figure in the radio world, where he played an instrumental role in expanding and growing Radio Mankato. He was a respected businessman and a family man, with a reputation for his dedication to his work and his community. His passing has left a huge void in the hearts of his colleagues and listeners alike.
The avalanche occurred in the Chugach Mountains near Girdwood, Alaska, while Linder and his companions were enjoying a heli-skiing excursion. The trio, accompanied by experienced guides from Chugach Powder Guides, were caught by an unexpected avalanche during their descent. Witnesses reported that the snow, which had been unstable due to recent weather conditions, gave way without warning. Despite the skiers’ attempts to deploy avalanche air bags in an effort to stay above the snow’s surface, the avalanche buried them under deep snow, some as deep as 30 feet.
Search and rescue teams were immediately deployed, but poor weather conditions hampered their efforts to reach the site. The avalanche site’s remote location and heavy snowfall made it difficult for responders to locate the buried skiers quickly. Despite the team’s efforts, all three skiers were eventually recovered and confirmed dead. The recovery efforts were carried out with urgency as authorities worked to safely remove the victims from the avalanche site.
David Linder’s death has left a deep impact on the Mankato community, where he was a beloved figure. His colleagues at Radio Mankato expressed their grief, describing him as a passionate businessman and a generous and kind-hearted individual. According to Matt Ketelsen, managing partner at Radio Mankato, Linder was a devoted family man who lived life to the fullest, always putting others first. His passion for his work was evident in his role as a co-owner, where he focused not only on the success of the station but also on making a positive difference in the lives of the station’s listeners. In addition to his role at Radio Mankato, Linder was known for his love of the outdoors and his adventurous spirit. He had been passionate about skiing for years, and his decision to take the trip to Alaska was one of many ways he enjoyed challenging himself and living life with enthusiasm. Tragically, this adventurous spirit was cut short, and his passing has left his family, friends, and colleagues in deep sorrow.
Linder is survived by his wife and three young children. The Mankato community has rallied to support the family during this difficult time, with many expressing their condolences and sharing stories of how Linder’s kindness and generosity touched their lives. In honor of his memory, donations are being accepted for the family, as they navigate the aftermath of this heartbreaking tragedy. The loss of David Linder, alongside his companions, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of extreme sports. However, his legacy will endure, not only in the airwaves of Radio Mankato but in the hearts of all who knew him.
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