Penn State senior Nicholas Feinstein died on Saturday, December 31, in an avalanche that occurred in Colorado. Feinstein was skiing with his father, University of Northern Colorado President Andy Feinstein, when the avalanche took place outside the Breckenridge ski resort boundary. His father survived the incident.

Feinstein, 22, was expected to graduate this spring with a degree in enterprise technology integration.

“Sadly, we learned Tuesday of Nicholas’ tragic accident and passing,” a university spokesperson said in a statement. “During this time of great sorrow, our hearts go out to his family and all who knew him. Nick, 22, was a 6th semester student in the College of Information Sciences and Technology where he was majoring in enterprise technology integration. Leaders of Penn State Student Affairs are reaching out to offer support to his family and friends.”

Feinstein is survived by his parents, Andy and Kerry, and younger sister, Rachel. He was born in Henderson, Nevada, lived in California for many years, and resided in Greeley, Colorado.

In his free time, he was an avid outdoorsman who spent his time skiing, fishing, mountain climbing, and exploring. He was a mentor, gamer, and cat whisperer who recently discovered a passion for photography, according to his obituary.

Feinstein’s father made the 911 call after digging himself out of a partial burial.

“Two skiers, a father and adult son, had accessed a backcountry area called The Numbers, which is outside the Breckenridge Ski Resort boundary on Peak 10,” Summit County Rescue Group wrote on Facebook. “They were caught in an avalanche at approximately 1:00 pm, with the father partially buried and the son fully buried. The father was able to dig himself out and had to ski out of the area to get cell phone reception for the 911 call, which he made at 1:40 pm.”

A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, January 14, at the University of Northern Colorado. In lieu of flowers, community members can make a donation to the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative in his honor.

Our condolences go out to Feinstein’s family and friends during this difficult time.