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SAN JUAN COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — Two backcountry skiers were killed in an avalanche near Silverton on Saturday, according to the San Juan County Sheriff’s Department.

SJCSD and San Juan County Search and Rescue conducted a body recovery mission on Sunday following a search that was initiated Saturday for two overdue skiers in the backcountry north of Silverton.

The team recovered the bodies of two Durango residents. The San Juan County Coroner identified them as 55-year-old Albert Perry and 51-year-old Dr. Jeff Paffendorf.

The Colorado Office of Emergency Management confirmed the skiers were found dead Saturday in avalanche debris. Rescuers had to delay the recovery mission due to avalanche danger.

The area is locally known as the Battleship.

GoFundMe accounts have been established for the families of both Paffendorf and Perry.