Good Morning, Colorado, you’re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Thursday January 7th, and even though there’s a lot of turmoil right now we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you.

Today - Peter Marshall was killed in an avalanche near Red Mountain Pass in 2019. His family says the school, the guide, and Backcountry Access violated a raft of laws that led to his death. 

But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:

Today, we’re going back to January 1899 when, desperate for a new source of income after the collapse of silver mining, Colorado entrepreneurs gave the sweet beets a try. Investors filed to incorporate the Colorado Sugar Manufacturing Company and imported nearly 40 tons of beet seed from Germany.

Now, our feature story.

The family of a Longmont man killed in an avalanche safety class is now suing the guide and the local rescue group among other parties. The lawsuit is based on research, interviews and reports gathered by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. 

Marshall’s death was the first avalanche fatality of the 2018-19 season. The first ever of a student at the Silverton Avalanche School which is one of the nation’s oldest avalanche education schools. 

Colorado Sun reporter Jason Blevins  is joining us today to talk more about the lawsuit. Jason thank you so much for your time, can you start off with an overview of this lawsuit and who is involved?

As Jason mentioned, the lawsuit focuses on the mistakes highlighted in the avalanche report, breaking down every step taken leading up to the avalanche.

The lawsuit cites several dozen failures including charges of negligence, like failing to communicate the day’s avalanche forecast, and allowing instructors to lead students “into, through and below” avalanche terrain.

Jim Moss, a recreation law attorney who has spent more than 30 years working with outdoor recreation companies and clients, suspects that Marshall signed waivers releasing Silverton Avalanche School from liability in case of an accident. 

Moss sees the case, if it goes to trial, hinging on the testimony of expert witnesses. 

Thanks for listening. Before we go, here are a few stories that you should know about today:

Four members of Colorado’s congressional delegation were in the U.S. House chambers during Wednesday's deadly riot at the Capitol. All four escaped unharmed. They described their harrowing ordeal to The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul. You can read more at coloradosun.com.

Some Colorado counties are struggling to roll out vaccination programs. But Summit County is receiving praise for its approach to distribution. Officials say the county’s drive-thru method for distributing the vaccine has received attention across the state and nationally.

Mesa County's clerk has posted claims of voter fraud without providing evidence and despite assurances from election officials nationwide that the November election was safe and secure. The Daily Sentinel reports that Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters tweeted on Sunday that ballots could be counted more than once and that software used in voting machines could be manipulated.

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com. And don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow for a special holiday episode. Now, a quick message from our editor.

The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.

Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, you&rsquo;re listening to the Daily Sun-Up. It&rsquo;s Thursday January 7th, and even though there&rsquo;s a lot of turmoil right now we&rsquo;re feeling lucky to start the day with you.
Today - Peter Marshall was killed in an avalanche near Red Mountain Pass in 2019. His family says the school, the guide, and Backcountry Access violated a raft of laws that led to his death.&nbsp;
But before we begin, let&rsquo;s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett&rsquo;s book &ldquo;Colorado Day by Day&rdquo;:
Today, we&rsquo;re going back to January 1899 when, desperate for a new source of income after the collapse of silver mining, Colorado entrepreneurs gave the sweet beets a try. Investors filed to incorporate the Colorado Sugar Manufacturing Company and imported nearly 40 tons of beet seed from Germany.
Now, our feature story.
The family of a Longmont man killed in an avalanche safety class is now suing the guide and the local rescue group among other parties. The lawsuit is based on research, interviews and reports gathered by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.&nbsp;
Marshall&rsquo;s death was the first avalanche fatality of the 2018-19 season. The first ever of a student at the Silverton Avalanche School which is one of the nation&rsquo;s oldest avalanche education schools.&nbsp;
Colorado Sun reporter <a href="mailto:jason@coloradosun.com">Jason Blevins</a>&nbsp; is joining us today to talk more about the lawsuit. Jason thank you so much for your time, can you start off with an overview of this lawsuit and who is involved?
As Jason mentioned, the lawsuit focuses on the mistakes highlighted in the avalanche report, breaking down every step taken leading up to the avalanche.
The lawsuit cites several dozen failures including charges of negligence, like failing to communicate the day&rsquo;s avalanche forecast, and allowing instructors to lead students &ldquo;into, through and below&rdquo; avalanche terrain.
Jim Moss, a recreation law attorney who has spent more than 30 years working with outdoor recreation companies and clients, suspects that Marshall signed waivers releasing Silverton Avalanche School from liability in case of an accident.&nbsp;
Moss sees the case, if it goes to trial, hinging on the testimony of expert witnesses.&nbsp;
Thanks for listening. Before we go, here are a few stories that you should know about today:
Four members of Colorado&rsquo;s congressional delegation were in the U.S. House chambers during Wednesday's <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trump-supporters-storm-capitol-dc/2021/01/06/58afc0b8-504b-11eb-83e3-322644d82356_story.html">deadly riot</a> at the Capitol. All four escaped unharmed. They described their harrowing ordeal to The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul. You can read more at <a href="http://coloradosun.com/">coloradosun.com</a>.
Some Colorado counties are struggling to roll out vaccination programs. But Summit County is receiving praise for its approach to distribution. Officials say the county&rsquo;s drive-thru method for distributing the vaccine has received attention across the state and nationally.
Mesa County's clerk has posted claims of voter fraud without providing evidence and despite assurances from election officials nationwide that the November election was safe and secure. The Daily Sentinel reports that Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters tweeted on Sunday that ballots could be counted more than once and that software used in voting machines could be manipulated.
For more information on all of these stories, visit our website,<a href="http://www.coloradosun.com/"> www.coloradosun.com</a>. And don&rsquo;t forget to tune in again tomorrow for a special holiday episode. Now, a quick message from our editor.
The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.
Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you&rsquo;ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don&rsquo;t forget to tune in again tomorrow.See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Welcome to The Colorado Sun's daily podcast, The Daily Sun-Up. Every day we’re sharing an in-depth look at one of our top stories, followed by a quick summary of important things happening in our state. For more visit us at https://coloradosun.com/.

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