Seattle News

16-03-2026

Incidents in the US: From Slope to Stadium

Overview of recent events in the US: a skier miraculously rescued at a Washington resort, the Tampa Bay Lightning prepare for a road game in Seattle, and a suspect in a post–Super Bowl shooting in San Jose has been arrested.

Rescue on the slope: skier miraculously avoided death under nearly a meter of snow at Summit at Snoqualmie

This incident at a popular ski resort serves as a stark reminder that danger can lurk not only in the backcountry but also on groomed runs. The story of a skier who was completely buried under nearly a meter of snow highlights the importance of basic safety knowledge even when skiing within a resort.

On Friday at the Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington state, a frightening incident occurred that could have ended in tragedy if not for the quick action of professional skier Ian Dins. According to The Seattle Times, Dins, who was filming video for the resort that day, noticed ski boots protruding from the snow on his third run. Realizing this was a clear sign of distress — if only the legs are visible, the hands and head are likely buried — he immediately rushed to help. Together with another skier they began digging the victim out. “I tried to get to his airway as quickly as possible. At first I couldn't pull him out, so I started digging toward his face,” Dins said. The man was under the snow for an estimated 30 to 40 seconds. The snow depth at the fall site was about 40 inches (roughly 100 centimeters), which is unsurprising given that nearly six feet (about 180 cm) of snow fell at the resort over the previous week.

Particularly notable is that the incident did not occur on a difficult slope but on a fairly “innocent” section, as Dins described. The rescue took place on the Alpine run in the transition area between two sections of the slope, near a flat spot. The professional emphasized that because of the abnormally large amount of snow, something like this could happen “even in the parking lot.” This point is critical: it dispels the myth that the risks associated with deep-snow burial (a phenomenon known as deep-snow immersion or avalanche asphyxia) apply only to backcountry freeriders. In heavy snowfall, even an awkward fall on a groomed run can instantly bury a person in a heavy, wet mass that leaves no ability to move or breathe. Dins explained that the fallen skier was following a snowboarder who made a sharp turn. The skier, trying to avoid a collision, fell and, because of the huge amount of fresh snow, was immediately trapped.

There are several key safety lessons to draw from this case. Ian Dins offered clear recommendations that everyone heading to the slopes after heavy snowfall should follow. First, water in any aggregate state (including snow) blocks breathing, so in such a situation — as with an avalanche — it is crucial to try to create an air pocket in front of the face. Second, it is extremely important to ski with a partner who remains within sight and hearing. Third, in deep snow, avoid using wrist straps on poles so they don't become additional entanglements in a fall. And finally, discuss potential risks before heading out. “These aren’t things the general public expects when skiing at a place like the Summit,” Dins admits. “But being buried under snow is not a pleasant sensation. You don’t have much time to breathe.” His words are a direct warning that awareness and preparedness can save lives even at a resort that seems, at first glance, quite safe.

“Bolt from the blue”: Tampa faces a late challenge in Seattle

A late evening start, a long trip and a team against which the Tampa Bay Lightning have an almost flawless record — that’s the immediate task for the Lightning in the NHL regular season. On Tuesday, March 17, the team will travel to Seattle to play the Kraken on their ice at Climate Pledge Arena. The game starts at 10 p.m. Eastern Time, which means a very late viewing for fans in Florida. Details about the upcoming game, including probable lineups and historical data, were outlined in the NHL preview.

For those unfamiliar, Climate Pledge Arena is the Seattle Kraken’s home arena, named in honor of an environmental initiative. “All-time” statistics in the NHL refer to the results of all official meetings between clubs across their entire history. In this case the numbers speak for themselves: Tampa has built a significant psychological edge. In all meetings with the Kraken, the Lightning have recorded seven wins and one overtime loss (7-0-1), and they have won all four games played in Seattle. That dominance is an important factor heading into the game.

Key insights for the upcoming match revolve around several names. Forward Brandon Hagel, according to the historical data, simply loves playing the Kraken. In six games he has 11 points (5 goals and 6 assists), and last season he was the team’s top scorer in games against Seattle. Star Nikita Kucherov is not far behind, with 11 points in seven games. But perhaps even more impressive are the Lightning goalies’ numbers. Andrei Vasilevskiy has never lost to the Kraken in his career (6-0-0) with an incredible .953 save percentage. Jonas Johansson also looks reliable. This suggests that Tampa’s defense and last line of defense traditionally handle Seattle’s style well.

The preview also listed lineups based on the previous game. The top line of Gage Goncalves, Brayden Point and Kucherov looks powerful, and the presence of veterans like Corey Perry and Nick Paul on the fourth line shows roster depth. After the Seattle game the Lightning face a tough Canadian road trip with games against Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary, so it’s important to start the road trip with two points. A win will not only extend an impressive run against a new opponent but also set the tone before difficult games — critical in the fight for a playoff spot.

Shooting in San Jose after the Super Bowl: suspect from Seattle arrested

In San Jose, a city that last week hosted guests and fans for one of the year’s biggest sporting events, the celebratory atmosphere was marred by an act of violence. Authorities reported the arrest of a suspect in a shooting that occurred in downtown on the evening of Super Bowl Sunday and injured six people. The arrested man is a 45-year-old Seattle-area resident who traveled to California specifically for the game.

The shooting erupted at about 10:50 p.m. on February 8, 2026, near the intersection of Santa Clara and Market streets in downtown San Jose, a few miles from Levi’s Stadium, where Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots was taking place. According to police, the incident stemmed from a conflict. The suspect opened fire, injuring six adults. Four victims were taken to local hospitals, a fifth sought medical attention on his own, and a sixth was treated at the scene. Fortunately, all injuries, authorities emphasize, are not life-threatening.

The suspect fled the scene before police arrived. However, as reported by CBS News, investigators from the gang task force were able to identify the vehicle he fled in using automatic license plate reader systems. The shooter’s identity was soon established: 45-year-old Tyrone Asfi of Federal Way, a Seattle suburb, who had come to San Jose for the game.

After obtaining arrest and search warrants, San Jose police enlisted the help of the FBI and Washington state authorities. It was discovered that the suspect had returned to the Seattle area. On Thursday, with assistance from a Valley SWAT Team in Washington and the FBI, Asfi was located and arrested at his home. Police said a firearm used in the shooting was found during the search. Tyrone Asfi is currently held in the King County jail on suspicion of attempted murder and is awaiting extradition to California.

City officials’ reaction was strong and unequivocal. San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph said: “On a day that was supposed to be a celebration, a dangerous out-of-state suspect decided to bring violence to downtown San Jose and tried to take several lives. He fled back to his home state, but flight will not shield him from the consequences of his actions.” Mayor Matt Mahan added: “We welcomed nearly half a million people into downtown during Super Bowl week. One of those guests thought he could endanger lives and avoid consequences — he was wrong.”

This incident highlights several important aspects. First, it demonstrates the effectiveness of interagency cooperation and modern technologies, such as automatic license plate readers, in tracking suspects who cross state lines. Second, the tragedy occurred against the backdrop of a major public event, raising questions about security in crowded areas during such gatherings. Although the shooting took place several miles from the stadium, it became a grim echo of the celebration, reminding that large crowds can attract not only fans but also those inclined to violence. The key outcome was the prompt arrest of the suspect, which authorities hope will send a message about the unacceptability of such actions and the inevitability of consequences.