BOISE (Idaho Statesman) – An Idaho emergency physician and adventurous outdoorsman died Friday after being buried in an avalanche while skiing part of the state’s tallest mountain range.

Dr. Terrence “Terry” O’Connor, 48, of Ketchum, was skiing on Donaldson Peak in the Lost River Range when he triggered an avalanche at around 11,600 feet elevation. According to the Sawtooth Avalanche Center’s description of the incident, O’Connor was caught in a small avalanche that carried him downhill, burying him in the snow. The first avalanche triggered a second, larger avalanche.

The Sawtooth Avalanche Center said O’Connor’s skiing partner, who has not been identified publicly, called for help on a satellite communication device before using a transceiver device to locate O’Connor in the snow. She was able to dig O’Connor out of several feet of snow and perform CPR before search and rescue arrived.

RELATED | Idaho doctor killed in weekend avalanche

O’Connor is the third person to die in an avalanche in Idaho this year, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

O’Connor worked as an emergency room physician at the St. Luke’s Wood River Valley location in Hailey. He was frequently a source of information and encouragement during the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit Blaine County hard when the coronavirus first came to Idaho. Later, he applauded the community for having some of the highest vaccination rates in the country.

O’Connor was also a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians, a former Blaine County/Sawtooth Regional Emergency Medical Services director and member of the Idaho EMS Physician Commission.

“Terry was an outstanding physician and played a pivotal role in the early days of the COVID pandemic, really demonstrating the public health role of the EMS medical director within a community,” the Idaho EMS Physician Commission said in a Facebook post Saturday. “His loss will be missed not only in the valley itself but throughout the entire state and region.”

O’Connor was active in wilderness emergency medicine and held a Diploma in Mountain Medicine from the Wilderness Medical Society.

“Words cannot begin to express the kindness he bestowed, sacrifices he made, and the impact he had on the emergency and wilderness medicine communities he was a part of,” the Wilderness Medical Society said in a Facebook post.

He volunteered as a clinical faculty member teaching wilderness and environmental medicine at the University of Colorado’s Department of Emergency Medicine. He also oversaw the University of Colorado’s diploma program in climate medicine, which teaches clinicians how to address the health implications of climate change.

O’Connor was an experienced backcountry skier, runner and mountain climber, among other activities. He even wrote a blog post for University of Colorado on avalanche safety. A St. Luke’s article on O’Connor detailed his trips climbing Mt. Everest and his TEDx Talk on outdoor adventure, which reflected on the inherent dangers in many of the activities he loved. In it, he memorialized a close friend and climbing partner who died in an avalanche in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in 2006.

St. Luke’s also noted O’Connor’s work in countries like Nepal and India, where he traveled to provide medical care to people in need.

Fact: time is the most valuable commodity on earth. 

Rich or poor, young or old, ask anyone nearing the end of their earthly residence, and they’ll tell you the same thing. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. There’s no going back. No matter how hard we try, we’ll never relive those unforgettable moments of our past. 

Time is infinite, our lives aren’t.

All of us are on borrowed, limited time. And whether we know it or not, a good chunk of us are an elusive, global treasure hunt. But instead of jewels and riches, most of us are searching for years, more time, and more opportunities to make memories with the ones we love. 

The Fountain of Youth is legendary for good reason. 

Since the beginning of mankind, countless humans have embarked on the quest to find the elixir of life. Rituals, potions, selling their soul to the Devil himself–people have tried it all. 

Unless you know something we don’t know, we have yet to see anyone score a deal on immortality. That’s why it’s not about how many years we live, but how well we spent those years. 

Let’s a raise to our senior Idahoans making the most of their time….and may we live by their example.

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National Pizza Brand Introduces its Bold Flavors and Delicious Food to Caldwell Residents

CALDWELL, Idaho, May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, is opening its newest location in Caldwell on Monday, May 13. Located at 2609 S 10th Ave., guests can expect Italian-inspired menu items such as pizza, Pizzoli™ and CheezyBread crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. This opening marks the first step in Marco’s strategic move to fortify the brand’s footprint throughout the northwest and eventually have up to 12 locations open in the greater Boise market.

“It’s a special feeling to be opening in such a warm, welcoming community like Caldwell,” said Gerardo Flores, Chief Development Officer. “We’re looking forward to shaking up local pizza routines and introducing Caldwell residents to the extraordinary flavors that Marco’s creates each and every day. Our love for the community, paired with the dedication to quality and innovation that Marco’s is known for, sustains our confidence that our new corporate store in Caldwell will flourish in Boise’s ever-growing market.”

As the first brand new corporate location to open in the market, the team is eager to share the Marco’s Pizza difference with Caldwell residents. The Marco’s menu features a mix of classic and original specialty pizzas crafted with fresh dough made in every store, every day; the founder’s signature sauce; a fresh, never frozen blend of three real cheeses; and premium toppings baked atop an always golden crust. Marco’s offers bold-flavors with their meaty Magnifico Pizzas that launched last year, all loaded with premium toppings and finished with a signature sprinkle of romesan seasoning and a garlic-flavored crust.

Customers can also choose newly launched creations such as the Marco’s Pizzoli – a fully loaded handheld featuring savory high-quality meats and four melty cheeses rolled up in the brand’s fresh house-made dough and baked to golden perfection. Additional menu items include oven-baked subs, CheezyBread, traditional bone-in wings or boneless wings offered in three savory flavors – Buffalo, Garlic Parmesan and BBQ, salads, and desserts. With carryout, delivery, app and online ordering options, Marco’s offers the convenience of picking up a quick meal or having it delivered. Marco’s also meets consumers’ ever-changing dietary preferences by offering Cauliflower Crust pizza and was the first national pizza delivery brand to offer Pizza Bowls – a crustless pizza baked in a bowl.   

Beyond its delicious menu, Marco’s Pizza is known for its involvement with the communities it serves. The Marco’s Pizza Foundation is an extension of the brand’s mission to empower franchisees and team members to make a positive difference in their communities. The Foundation supports four key pillars: School & Education, Hunger Prevention & Nutrition, Workforce Development, and Entrepreneurship.

Marco’s Pizza continues to build on the momentum that solidifies its position as one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands. In addition to announcing its development plans for the Boise market, the brand also just announced its reinvigorated brand campaign, But Wait, There’s Marco’s™, which encourages consumers to break free from the mundane and try the big, bold flavors of Marco’s Pizza.

As franchise development continues in the area and across the country, leadership prioritizes a strong development support system, including technology and tools to help identify territories for expansion, plus support in real estate, construction management, field operations, and information related to financing. For more information Marco’s Pizza franchise opportunities, visit https://www.marcos.com/franchising/ or contact Jamie Cecil at [email protected]  or 866-731-8209.

For more information on Marco’s Pizza in Caldwell, please visit www.marcos.com, download the mobile app, or call (208) 504-3555. If you would like to join the Marco’s team as a delivery driver or pizza maker, please visit apply.marcos.com. 

ABOUT MARCO’S PIZZA:
Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco’s Pizza is one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States. Marco’s was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale (“Pat”) Giammarco and thrives to deliver a high-quality pizza experience. Marco’s Pizza can be ordered for delivery or carryout by downloading the mobile app, going online to www.marcos.com or by calling each store directly.

Media Contact: Alec Miszuk | Fishman PR | [email protected] | (630) 484-0797

SOURCE Marco’s Pizza