Community gathers for Calgary teen killed in Nakiska avalanche

Family, friends, classmates, and the community gathered Thursday to remember 15-year-old Emilio, a young life cut tragically short after an avalanche at Nakiska Ski Hill near Calgary last week.

“We’re heartbroken. It’s been very tough. He was a very good kid who impacted many lives, a broadest amount of anybody who was around him.” said Jose Tamayo, Emilio’s uncle. “He was just the sweetest joy to have around. He was embodiment of happiness.”

Long silent moments, shaking hands and wiping away tears — a community struggling to say goodbye to a boy who meant so much to so many.

His family says he had the energy of 10 people — always joking, always doing something silly — and there was never a dull moment when Emilio was around.\

But now, the laughter he brought to so many has been replaced by tears.

“You know, he’s my best friend. He was like a brother to me, gone through a lot of stuff together, and I’m going make him proud, learn how to ski better, and all the, all the memories we have all keep to my heart,” said friend Vance Trifaux. “And I’ll never forget like the kind of person he was always making people feel included.”

His family says when they look back on his life, it feels like God had a plan. They say Emilio died doing what he loved — skiing — surrounded by the people who loved him most.

“Though, Emilio is gone, his legacy will go on for a very long time. We have started a GoFundMe in his memory, and we’re asking everybody who’s willing and can share some funds towards that, we will make sure that money is well used in the community, and hopefully you can do some really great things with it,” Tamayo said.

His family bid him farewell with these words: “Love forever and always to Emilio, our Chango, Mowgli, Lil Mex, Mildog, Rodilio, and most especially… our beautiful boy.”