Dr. Terrence “Terry” O’Connor, an emergency room physician from Idaho, tragically died in an avalanche while backcountry skiing on Donaldson Peak in Idaho’s Lost River Range. He was skiing with another experienced backcountry skier when he triggered a small wind slab avalanche that caught him, followed by a larger avalanche. His skiing partner was able to dig him out of the snow and perform CPR, but unfortunately, O’Connor did not survive. O’Connor’s death was confirmed by the Idaho EMS Physician Association, who praised his role in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted his commitment to public health.
O’Connor worked at St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center in Ketchum, Idaho, where he was known for his outstanding medical skills and dedication to helping others. He was described as a physician who demonstrated the public health role of an EMS medical director within a community, particularly during the early days of the pandemic. O’Connor also had a passion for adventure and hosted a podcast called The Adventure Activist, where he engaged in meaningful conversations with guests about how they used their passion for adventure to make a positive impact in the world. He had climbed Mount Everest three times, with his last successful summit being a significant achievement.
In a TedxTalk titled “A Life of Adventure: Selfish or Selfless?”, O’Connor reflected on the balance between seeking risky adventures and acts of altruism. He recalled a moment during a climb when he felt awe at the summit but was reminded of a woman he met in Tibet who had died from a preventable heart disease due to a lack of resources. O’Connor discussed research that suggested a connection between awe and altruism, stating that experiences of awe could motivate individuals to act collaboratively and give more to others. He emphasized the importance of learning from these experiences and encouraged others to pursue their own adventures.
The Idaho EMS Physician Association mourned the loss of Dr. O’Connor in a statement posted on Facebook, expressing their grief and recognizing the impact he had on the state and region. O’Connor’s commitment to serving his community, his passion for adventure, and his altruistic nature were celebrated by those who knew him. Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, O’Connor’s spirit of selflessness and dedication to helping others will live on in the memories of those who were touched by his work and his adventurous spirit.
