VAIL, Colo. — A paramedic died while responding to a backcountry rescue call in Vail Friday.
Steve Zuckerman, 61, worked with Beaver Creek Ski Patrol for more than 25 years. He started as a part-time paramedic with Eagle County Paramedic Services in April 2008 and moved to full-time in May 2013.
Eagle County Paramedic Services said Zuckerman served as a field trainer and a member of the Search and Rescue team. He was training to become a critical care paramedic. He also served as medical director for the World Cup races in Beaver Creek.
In a social media post, Eagle County Paramedic Services said "there are really no words" to describe the loss.
“Steve was one of the helpers,” said Eagle County Paramedic Services CEO Brandon Daruna. “He never missed an opportunity to contribute and his death leaves a giant void in our organization and community.”
The department extended its condolences to Zuckerman's family, friends and coworkers.
Colorado Search and Rescue Association released the following statement:
"The Colorado backcountry search and rescue community mourns the loss of a major contributor to our work. Steve Zuckerman previously served as a volunteer and in leadership roles with Vail Mountain Rescue Group, and as vice-chair and director-at-large of the Rocky Mountain Region of the Mountain Rescue Association. He helped develop the hoist rescue training program with the Colorado National Guard's High Altitude Aviation Training Site in Eagle and served as a rescue technician with the program. He will never be forgotten by those who volunteered by his side, saving lives in the Colorado backcountry."
