SALT LAKE CITY — A community in Eastern Nevada is mourning the sudden loss 19-year-old Ethan Lulay.
Lulay of Spring Creek, Nevada was caught and buried by an avalanche on Saturday in Eastern Nevada. He and two other snowmobilers were riding near Castle Lake, in high-elevation and steep terrain within the Ruby Mountains, according to the Elko County Sheriff’s Office.
Read: One snowmobiler confirmed dead after avalanche in eastern Nevada
One snowmobiler made it out to call for help, another had to be airlifted to a hospital in Salt Lake City with injuries and Lulay did not survive.
“The kid brought a joy to people, he never found any negativity in anybody, he was just always positive about everything and it followed him everywhere,” said Ethan’s father Adam to FOX 13 on Wednesday.
Ethan had two brothers and was the ‘middle age’ of the trio. The three along with Ethan’s father recently went for a snowmobiling trip in Oregon and had been enjoying the sport together for the past four years. “We loved to go up to the mountain and snowmobile, we would hike up to the lakes and swim on the same lakes we would snowmobile on,” said Adam.
According to his parents, Ethan had a thirst for the outdoors, regardless of the season. He loved surfing behind the family boat on the lake in the summer and loved spending time in the Ruby Mountains. After moving from Oregon to Nevada, Ethan picked up football and was the kicker on his high school team.
“6’2” - He was fast and he loved the sport and he loved the brotherhood of all of his friends and the sport,” said Adam. Ethan kicked for the Spring Creek varsity football team in the playoffs his freshman year, and then stayed on JV for his sophomore year to be with friends before jumping back on the varsity squad.
After high school, he stayed local and recently started working for a local company.
Read: Utah dealing with unprecedented avalanche danger
“He really intended on never leaving this area, he loved this valley, he loved the people and after this tragic event, the people around here have gone above and beyond to comfort (us). This community is one of a kind,” said Adam. “I don’t wish this to happen to anybody ever but it’s been very comforting for the way people in this community have treated me and my family.”
Ethan’s mother Cheree shared a quote that she said fits perfectly with Ethan’s character and how he made others around him feel.
“Be such a dope soul that others crave your vibes,” Cheree recited. “He has a love for life and I think people like to be around that.”
A celebration of life will be held for Lulay on Sunday, February 28 at the Elko County Fairgrounds beginning at 11 a.m.
