MEEKER | Brett Smithers, 48, of Meeker, Colo., was found unconscious and not breathing Saturday afternoon approximately 1.5 miles up the Marvine Trail that leads to the yurt, according to a press release from the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office.
First responders from the sheriff’s office, Meeker Fire and Rescue, and Careflight found parties performing CPR when they arrived on scene. Smithers was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Pioneers Medical Center.
No foul play is suspected, according to the press release.
Smithers, a land-use specialist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife and a member of the popular local bluegrass band Casserole Beans, was apparently skiing with his two dogs at the time of his death. The dogs were reported missing but had been found safe on Sunday according to posts on social media.
