_DAVID LINDER OBITUARY, DEATH: RADIO INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITIES OF MIAMI, MANKATO MOURN THE LOSS OF BELOVED RADIO PERSONALITY, CO-OWNER OF RADIO MANKATO, AND DEVOTED FAMILY MAN, WHO TRAGICALLY LOST HIS LIFE IN AN AVALANCHE WHILE HELI-SKIING IN ALASKA_
March 7, 2025 – MANKATO, MINNESOTA – The communities of Miami, Mankato, and the greater radio industry are reeling from the devastating news of the passing of David Linder, a prominent figure in the radio world and co-owner of Radio Mankato. Linder, aged 39, tragically lost his life in an avalanche on March 4, 2025, while on a heli-skiing trip in Alaska. His death has sent shockwaves throughout the radio community, leaving a profound impact on his family, friends, colleagues, and listeners.
_A Passionate Radio Personality and Devoted Family Man_
David Linder was a highly respected figure in the radio industry, known for his exceptional leadership skills, his passion for radio, and his dedication to his community. As co-owner of Radio Mankato, Linder played an instrumental role in shaping the station’s programming and direction, always striving to provide the best possible content for his listeners. His love for radio was evident in everything he did, from his early days as a disc jockey to his later years as a successful businessman and entrepreneur.
_A Tragic Accident in the Chugach Mountains_
The avalanche occurred in the Chugach Mountains near Girdwood, Alaska, while Linder and his companions, Jeremy Leif and Charles Eppard, were enjoying a heli-skiing excursion. The trio, accompanied by experienced guides from Chugach Powder Guides, were caught by an unexpected avalanche during their descent. Witnesses reported that the snow, which had been unstable due to recent weather conditions, gave way without warning. Despite the skiers’ attempts to deploy avalanche air bags in an effort to stay above the snow’s surface, the avalanche buried them under deep snow, some as deep as 30 feet.
_Search and Rescue Efforts_
Search and rescue teams were immediately deployed, but poor weather conditions hampered their efforts to reach the site. The avalanche site’s remote location and heavy snowfall made it difficult for responders to locate the buried skiers quickly. Despite the team’s efforts, all three skiers were eventually recovered and confirmed dead. The recovery efforts were carried out with urgency as authorities worked to safely remove the victims from the avalanche site.
_A Community in Mourning_
David Linder’s death has left a deep impact on the Mankato community, where he was a beloved figure. His colleagues at Radio Mankato expressed their grief, describing him as a passionate businessman and a generous and kind-hearted individual. According to Matt Ketelsen, managing partner at Radio Mankato, Linder was a devoted family man who lived life to the fullest, always putting others first. His passion for his work was evident in his role as a co-owner, where he focused not only on the success of the station but also on making a positive difference in the lives of the station’s listeners.
_A Legacy of Kindness and Generosity_
In addition to his role at Radio Mankato, Linder was known for his love of the outdoors and his adventurous spirit. He had been passionate about skiing for years, and his decision to take the trip to Alaska was one of many ways he enjoyed challenging himself and living life with enthusiasm. Tragically, this adventurous spirit was cut short, and his passing has left his family, friends, and colleagues in deep sorrow. Linder is survived by his wife and three young children. The Mankato community has rallied to support the family during this difficult time, with many expressing their condolences and sharing stories of how Linder’s kindness and generosity touched their lives.
_A Celebration of Life_
In honor of his memory, a celebration of life will be held in the coming weeks, with details to be announced shortly. The event will provide an opportunity for friends, family, colleagues, and listeners to come together and pay tribute to a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on the lives of those around him.
_Conclusion_
The loss of David Linder is a profound tragedy that has shaken the radio industry and the communities of Miami and Mankato. His legacy, however, will endure, not only in the airwaves of Radio Mankato but in the hearts of all who knew him. As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary individual, we also celebrate his remarkable life, his passion for radio, and the countless lives he touched through his work and his generosity.
