FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – An off-duty Ferndale firefighter has died following an accident near Mount Baker.

Whatcom Fire District 7 says that Capt. John DeVenere was killed in a snowboarding accident on Friday afternoon.

Mount Baker Ski Area CEO Gwyn Howat adds that DeVenere was snowboarding in a backcountry area near Mount Shuksan when he became separated from his partner and fell into a tree well.

Rescue crews were able to dig him out, but they were unable to revive him.

DeVenere, who was 63, had been with Whatcom Fire District 7 since 2000.

The Mount Baker Ski Area recently issued a deep snow advisory for skiers and snowboarders after several feet of snow fell in the Cascades.

The incident occurred outside of the ski area, but Howat says the best way to avoid deep snow danger is to stay on groomed runs.