March 4, 2014 Dear friends, As you may know, our dear friend and colleague Fred Allendorf has been through a tragedy. Last Friday, February 28, an avalanche was triggered in a gully on Mount Jumbo that ends at the home where Fred, Michel (his wife), and children have lived for over 20 years. The avalanche demolished the home, and buried Fred, Michel, and an 8-­‐year old boy from a neighboring house. All three people were recovered from the snow and wreckage in the following hours, and rushed to the hospital. The boy, Phoenix, has since been released from the hospital. Fred remains in serious condition with 17 broken ribs, several broken vertebrae, and some internal bleeding, but prospects for his recovery are good. Sadly, Michel passed away on Sunday night. Michel was the first woman to earn a degree in Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana after it became an interdisciplinary program in 1965. She was a wonderful, caring, and adventurous person. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, and it breaks all of our hearts to think of what Fred is going through. Since the avalanche, there has been a wave of support for Fred and Michel from people all over the world. This support means a lot to Fred, and will continue to be important in the coming days and weeks. Also, "The Allendorf Family Fund" has been established for those wishing to make financial contributions to help Fred and his family recover. Donations can be made directly at any branch of the Missoula Federal Credit Union (MFCU), sent to MFCU at 3600 Brooks St., Missoula MT 59801, made over the phone by calling (406) 523-­‐3300, or by e-­‐banking to MFCU account 277580. You can also make contact through the “Contact Us” link on the MFCU website, http://www.missoulafcu.org. On behalf of all of Fred’s friends and colleagues at the University of Montana, thank you for your support during this difficult time. Sincerely, Winsor Lowe Interim Director, Wildlife Biology Program Associate Professor, Biological Sciences (406) 243-­‐4375 winsor.lowe@umontana.edu Charlie Janson Associate Dean Division of Biological Sciences (406) 243-­‐5122 charles.janson@mso.umt.edu Mike Mitchell Unit Leader Coop. Wildlife Research Unit (406) 243-­‐4390 Michael.Mitchell@mso.umt.edu Wildlife Biology Program - University of Montana - www.cfc.umt.edu/wbio - wbio@cfc.umt.edu