Snowboarder who died on Blackcomb Mountain identified

A 27-year-old man from Slovakia has been identified as the snowboarder who died while riding on Blackcomb Mountain.

Matej Svana, who most recently lived in Whistler,was riding the Arthur's Choice course with another person when they split up around noon, the B.C. Coroners Service said in a news release.

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He was later found in deep snow by passing skiers. At the time, police said Svana hadfallen face first into deep snow and with boards strapped to his feet would have had limited mobility.

Sgt. Rob Knapton of the Whistler RCMPsaid if someone in that situation were unable to find an air pocket, they could eventually suffocate.

Knapton said a big snowfall on the mountain in the previous days also contributed to the tragedy, creating a lot ofloose, unconsolidated snow.

The coroners service found Svana suffocated in the snow. Efforts to revive him failed and he was pronounced dead at the scene.