West Point Ski Patrol

Evan was one of our patrollers when he was a cadet. RIP RTLW

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of 2nd Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon and Staff Sgt. George Taber.

During a Ranger School weather-induced training hold August 9 at Yonah Mountain near Dahlonega, Ga., five Ranger candidates were struck by a falling tree.

Fitzgibbon and Taber were pronounced deceased at the hospital. Three other candidates were injured in the incident. Two were treated for non-life threatening injuries and one remains stable under medical care.

Fitzgibbon was an infantry officer assigned to the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course, 199th Infantry “Leader Brigade” at Fort Benning, Ga. He was a graduate of West Point - The U.S. Military Academy and commissioned in May 2021.

Taber was a Special Forces Medical Sergeant assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. He had served in the Army since his enlistment in March 2017.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and leadership of these two outstanding leaders who unexpectedly lost their lives in the pursuit of excellence.

Ski Butternut, thanks for hosting us again this year. We had a small group, but a great weekend of training. The hill let us sleep in the lodge, patrol with them, and enjoy the great conditions. We're looking forward to seeing you again on March 24th.