Mountain & Prairie with Ed Roberson Devon O'Neil — On Nature's Power and the Price of Adventure
Nov 11, 2025
Devon O'Neil, a Colorado-based journalist and author, discusses his gripping new book, which recounts a tragic backcountry ski incident. He shares how he earned the trust of a tight-knit mountain community while exploring the emotional weight of their shared grief. The conversation delves into the complexities of reporting sensitive stories, the risks of outdoor adventures, and how his own close calls have reshaped his understanding of danger. O'Neil's insights reveal the delicate balance between adventure and responsibility.
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How The Story First Reached Devon
- Devon first heard the story at a concert in Frisco when an old friend mentioned an unresolved backcountry tragedy from 2017.
- He mailed a handwritten letter to the lone survivor, waited three years, and began reporting only after the survivor agreed to talk in 2022.
Trust Through Respect And Patience
- Devon builds trust by treating sources how he'd want to be treated and letting them set boundaries for topics.
- He often withheld reporting when sources weren't ready and respected those limits over years of work.
The Trip That Turned Tragic
- A 2017 hut trip saw three dads and four teens; two left for a quick run and were caught in a massive storm and avalanche.
- A world-class snowmobiler found the separated pair about 27 hours later; one survived and one died.
